News

Volume 9 Issue 8 - July 01, 2012

Rio+20 Outcome Document mentions disability

D.N.I.S. News Network, India: All eyes were on the Rio+20 Summit in Brazil from June 20 - 22, where the world was to deliberate on the sustainable development agenda for the future, 20 years after the Earth Summit. The objective was to ensure the promotion of economically, socially and environmentally sustainable future for our planet and for present and future generations. While there was not much enthusiasm from the disability sector towards this highly important event, disability did eventually find some mention in the Outcome Document.

The Outcome Document called ‘The Future We Want’ had 5 specific mentions of disability, namely: responsibilities of States to respect, protect and promote human rights and fundamental freedom for all (paragraph 9); participation and access to information and judicial and administrative proceedings for promotion of sustainable development (paragraph 43); affirming that green economy policies in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication should enhance the welfare of persons with disabilities (paragraph 58 k); commit to promote an integrated approach to planning and building sustainable cities and urban settlements, and commit to promote sustainable development policies that support inclusive housing and social services; a safe and healthy living environment for all, particularly, disabled persons (paragraph 135) and finally, stress the need for ensuring equal access to education for persons with disabilities (paragraph 229).