CBM statement - International co-operation: UNCRPD and the 2030 agenda for sustainable development

On 11th October, CBM (Christian Blind Mission) Ireland had the privilege of being invited to speak at the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Disability Matters. The committee's focus was on 'International co-operation: UNCRPD and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.' We were incredibly honoured to receive this invitation, as it provided a valuable platform to address an issue that lies at the very heart of CBM Ireland's mission.

Dualta Roughneen, CBM Irelands CEO, delivered a powerful testimony during the proceedings. He passionately spoke about the critical importance of international co-operation in achieving the goals set forth by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. As a disability-focused organisation working in international development, CBM Ireland understands firsthand the challenges faced by persons with disabilities. CBM highlighted the urgent need for Ireland to strengthen its commitment to promoting the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities, and to actively contribute towards sustainable development efforts on a global scale.

‘I know from my 20 years working in development how easy it is to use the right words yet people with disabilities remain overlooked, often forgotten' Dualta Roughneen, CBM Ireland CEO

Others in attendance included Michael Gaffey, Director-General of Irish Aid, and Anderson Finlay, First Secretary of the Human Rights Unit, Political Division. Additionally, officials from the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications joined the panel.

Dualta said:

‘I can only look back at my own work now and realise how little consideration I – and the organisations I worked with, as well as the wider ‘international community’ – gave to the needs and specific rights of people with disabilities. I didn’t know what I didn’t know. Often the need to do something, to do a lot, and do it quickly, means that the necessary time to find, to understand, and to respond to the specific needs, of persons with disability, means that they are excluded, even with the best intentions’.

Dualta went on to say:

There are 17 Sustainable Development Goals and 169 targets, but only 7 specifically address disability inclusion. Out of 231 indicators, only 10 require disability data disaggregation and 2 have available data. Despite the challenges faced by people with disabilities, they are often overlooked in SDG progress… The 1 billion people with disabilities need more than to be referenced as a homogeneous group, one group amongst many, not to be forgotten – but require a positive, dedicated strategy for their inclusion in international cooperation.

At CBM Ireland, we were honoured to have had the opportunity to contribute to such an important conversation. The chance to share our knowledge, insights, and experiences regarding disability inclusion is not only a privilege but also a stepping stone towards creating a more inclusive society.