Equal World youth champions join UN disability rights conference

Young representatives of Sightsavers’ Equal World campaign called for more inclusive and accessible political spaces while attending the annual UN disability conference, held from 10-12 June in New York.

The participants at the 18 session of the UN Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities included campaign youth champions Yumna Mmanga, from Tanzania, and James Casserly, from Ireland. The conference brings together governments and advocates to review progress on disability inclusion and commit to further action.

James took part in a youth-led side event, which focused on how children and young people with disabilities can be meaningfully included in decision-making that affects their lives. The side event, organised by The Commonwealth, Commonwealth Children and Youth Disability Network, Include Me Too and the Global Network of Young Persons with Disabilities, included a discussion about barriers, recommendations to improve access to political spaces, and the importance of hearing directly from young people.

Speaking at the event, James said: “In 2015, global leaders made a promise to leave no one behind as part of the Sustainable Development Goals. That promise has not been met. We call on governments worldwide to implement disability rights and make sure young people with disabilities can participate in political processes. Actions speak louder than words.”