RNIB and Human Rights Commission celebrate International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2023

The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (the Commission) was delighted to host the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) today to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPWD) 2023.

RNIB provided staff with an interactive session on Understanding Sight Loss to increase awareness raising within the team.

NIHRC Chief Commissioner Alyson Kilpatrick:

“This year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities reminds us of the importance for public authorities, communities and agencies to collaborate together to uphold the human rights of everyone and leave no one behind. We must work together to tackle barriers that still prevent disabled people accessing and enjoying the range of human rights protections that we are entitled to under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

After today we will be focusing on how best we can improve our services at the Commission from the lessons learned. This work is part of a continued partnership between the Commission and RNIB as we work to ensure that human rights are put at the front and centre of all our public services.”

RNIB spokesperson Northern Ireland Director, Robert Shilliday said:

“RNIB is delighted to be developing our partnership with the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission, to both advocate for the rights of blind and partially sighted people, and to ensure that they are aware of their rights, and how to enact them. International Day of Persons with Disabilities, serves as an important annual milestone, to look at what has been achieved, but equally, to identify areas where much work remains to be done.

If we are to address the barriers which remain in society for blind and partially sighted people and ensure that all of our citizens have equal access to the full range of public services, including healthcare, education, employment, benefits and financial advice, transport, and the public realm, it is essential that we raise awareness and understanding of their lived experience. This is a vital first step to ensuring recognition of need, and the accessibility of services.

We are delighted that the staff and Commissioners of the NIHRC have made this commitment to engage with our Understanding Sight Loss training. In doing so, they are making their contribution to breaking down barriers and are ensuring the recognition of the rights of blind and partially sighted people in Northern Ireland.”

ENDS

A participant at the Eighth Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, held at UN Headquarters in June 2015, reads braille. Credit UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe

Notes to editors

• The annual observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3 December was proclaimed in 1992 by the United Nations General Assembly resolution 47/3.

The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is an international treaty highlighting that all persons with all types of disabilities must enjoy all human rights and fundamental freedoms.

• The UK adopted the UNCRPD In 2006 and ratified it in 2009, meaning it agreed to be bound by the rights and to protect and promote the human rights of disabled people.
• The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission has a joint role with the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland as the Independent Mechanism for NI, which involves promoting, protecting and monitoring the implementation of the UNCRPD in Northern Ireland.