"Unfinished Business"

Ambassador Woolcott
Ms. Rankine (Chair of First Peoples Disability Network, Australia)
Mrs. Mason (artist)
Ladies and Gentlemen:

Welcome to the opening of “Unfinished Business”, a poignant photography exhibition highlighting the challenges faced by indigenous Australians living with disabilities. I would especially like to thank Ambassador Woolcott and the Permanent Mission of Australia for organizing this special event. I am pleased to be able to showcase this important issue at the Palais des Nations. Especially in the context of the twenty-fourth session of the Human Rights Council which begins next week, and the upcoming high-level meeting of the UN General Assembly on disability and development later this month.

Over 1 billion people, or approximately 15 percent of the world’s population, have disabilities. While no global data exists regarding indigenous persons with disabilities, available statistics show that indigenous peoples are disproportionately likely to experience disability compared to the general population. Indigenous persons with disabilities often experience multiple levels of discrimination and face barriers to the full enjoyment of their rights - based on their indigenous status and also on disability.

Both the international indigenous rights and the international disability rights movements have made great advances in recent years. In 2007, following more than two decades of negotiation, the General Assembly adopted the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. In 2006, the General Assembly adopted the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which entered into force in 2008.

However, there is still far to go. Today, there are growing efforts within the international community to promote the rights of indigenous persons with disabilities. To ensure that they are able to fully enjoy their human rights and take part in inclusive development. Human rights entities here in Geneva are part of these efforts, as are the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues and Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in New York.

Dear Colleagues:
The expressive and moving photographs taken by Belinda Mason bring to life the challenges faced by indigenous Australians with disabilities. As we experience this touching exhibition, let us all recommit to ensuring human rights, justice and development for all indigenous people with disabilities.

Thank you very much.