NEW YORK: At the United Nations, Pakistan has called for ensuring full and equal participation of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society, including in coronavirus response and recovery.
Speaking at a side event organized by the Office of Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General on Disability and Accessibility, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Munir Akram, said realizing the rights of persons with disabilities is crucial to fulfilling the pledge of 2030 Agenda: “To leave no one behind”.
The event was co-sponsored by Pakistan and some other permanent missions to the UN as well as some organizations.
Referring to the disruption caused by coronavirus, the Pakistani envoy said the persons with disabilities have been disproportionally impacted by the pandemic as they are at a greater risk of developing more severe health conditions.
He said an integrated approach is therefore required to ensure that persons with disabilities are not left behind in our response and recovery efforts.
