Paris, December 3, 2024. In the framework of the celebration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the Group of Friends of the Disability was formally established at UNESCO. The initiative, promoted by Venezuela with the support of a group of countries, including Cuba, marks a milestone in the history of the International Organization, by creating a space for coordination and reflection to advance the inclusion of the rights of persons with disabilities in the different areas of UNESCO's competence.
The constitutive meeting was attended by the Assistant Directors General for the Social and Human Sciences and External Relations Sectors, Ms. Gabriela Ramos and Mr. Firmin Matoko, respectively, who praised the formation of the Group and emphasized the importance of this initiative. Representatives of Belarus, China, Cuba, Colombia, Comoros, the State of Palestine, Haiti, Nicaragua, Qatar, Pakistan and Russia, founding countries of the Group, as well as Azerbaijan, Chile, Brazil, Nigeria and Uruguay, were also present and expressed their support for the initiative.
The Disability Friendship Group will have as its immediate tasks to advance the survey for the elaboration of the UNESCO Strategy for the inclusion of persons with disabilities, and to consider the topic in the UNESCO Programme and Budget 2025-2029; as well as to address issues of great impact for persons with disabilities, such as Special Education, Para-sports, sign languages in general and those of indigenous peoples in particular and other elements.