UN Stands in Solidarity with Persons with Disabilities

On December 3, United Nations satellite offices in Saint Lucia and Grenada joined with civil society activists, government officials, and youth, including persons with disabilities,  to observe  International Day of Persons with Disabilities, under the theme: ‘Amplifyng the Leadership  of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future’.  

In Grenada, Country Coordination Officer with the UN Resident Coordinator Office, Feona Sandy, joined Minister of Social and Community Development Housing and Gender Affairs, Senator the Hon. Gloria Thomas, representatives of the Ministry of Education, members of international organisations, CSO advocacy groups, and students, for a March for Inclusion.  

The march, which sought to bring awareness to the rights of Persons with Disabilities, was organised  by President of Advocacy Grenada and Principal of the School for the Deaf, Ms. Michelle Brathwaite, in collaboration with Grenada National Council for the Disabled and the Ministry of Education.‎  

Approximately 80 students from  nine schools, including  two Special Education schools, the Grenada Girl Guides and Grenada Red Cross Student volunteers, took to the streets armed with  placards bearing various messages including one which begged the question  – “ Where is the Disability Act? Disability Inclusion? Transportation? Ramps?   

Speaking prior to leading off the march, Minister Thomas told participants that  14% of  Grenada’s population, approximately 15, 820 persons, had disabilities, and were “integral members of our communities, contributing in meaningful and transformative ways to our shared future”. She added:

  “the approach to making a more inclusive Grenada is stronger, clearer, and more effective than ever before, because the Government  is prepared to be action oriented in matters of people with disability”. 

In addressing the rights of people with disabilities, Ms. Sandy explained that the founding Charter of the UN and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights are based on the premise  that human rights belong to all. “Therefore, disability rights are not privileges, but entitlements, disability rights are human rights,” she underlined.  

Over in Saint Lucia, Country Coordination Officer with the UN Resident Coordinator Office, Dr. Lorraine Nicholas, joined the  Farmers with Disabilities and Beekeeping Association (FBDA), and the Soufriere Special Education Center, in observing the special day. Dr. Nicholas welcomed the opportunity to underscore the UN’s commitment to disability inclusion and to ensuring  that No One is Left Behind in Saint Lucia’s national development landscape.  

 “This celebration was indeed an eye opener – a real learning experience. For the first time ever, I was able to interact and engage closely with young people with disabilities. Moreover, I was profoundly moved and impressed by their talent and resilience.  Events like these remind us that inclusion is not merely an aspiration, but rather, a gateway to unleashing the full potential of every member of society. We must continue to break the barriers and provide equal opportunities for all to shine,”  Dr. Nicholas added.   

Fifty children and youth from the south of the island enjoyed a fun-filled day at the Fisheries Complex in Vieux Fort, during which they unleashed their  creativity in dance, singing, and arts and crafts. Special focus was also paid to conserving the marine environment  in keeping with  SDG 14 – Life Below Water. The youth and children were keenly interested in learning about the boundless opportunities of the marine environment , and ways in which they could protect the environment. The day ended with an activity where each student was tasked with the challenge of designing a whale, and prizes were awarded to the best whales.  

17-Year-old Clarissa Samuel thanked the organizers for what she described as a great day. “Today was a lot of fun. I enjoyed everything, especially the video, because I learnt so much about the different sea creatures,” she said.  

The observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2024 took place against the backdrop of pivotal global developments, from the Summit of the Future held in September, to the upcoming Second World Summit for Social Development in 2025.  These key global Summits will complement one another in providing a continuous roadmap toward disability-inclusive and sustainable peace and development.