Statement delivered by
Mr. Brian E. Frenkel,
Human Rights and Humanitarian Advisor, Permanent Mission of Israel
Thank you Chair,
Israel would like to commend the convening of this panel, since it is important to expand the already rather developed intersectionality in the area of human rights, so as to connect it to the crucial development dimension of Agenda 2030.
There is only so much that one can say in a two-minute intervention, so allow me to focus on the work Israel's has been doing in the context of SDG-10, which talks reducing inequalities.
Israel recognizes the fact that social inclusion and equality are intrinsically linked, and that focusing on, and investing in the most disadvantaged and excluded populations, such as women, children and persons with disabilities, is critically important for the effective implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. Social inclusion policies and systems play a critical role in promoting an inclusive society and are crucial in fostering stable, safe, harmonious, peaceful and just societies. Towards this end, Israel cosponsored UN General Assembly Resolution Promoting Social Integration through Social Inclusion.
Prejudice, misconception and negative stereotypes regarding persons with disabilities are the source of discriminatory policies and practices. Thus, we have to work to deconstruct these prejudices and barriers, while promoting the right of equal access and inclusion for persons with disabilities. In this context accessibility is key. Israel has actively worked for it, supporting and organizing activities both at home, and here in Geneva. For the last years, we have supported the main event marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, but also organizing activities to show the impact of new technologies to provide solutions for everyday problems, and on the transformative power of sports, among others.
In Israel, the 7thAnnual Access Israel's International Conference on The Future of Accessibility will be held from the 8 – 11 April 2019. Conference Goals and Objectives include: promoting accessibility and inclusion; sharing knowledge and best practices; transitioning from implementing accessibility, to maintenance, to excellence in accessibility; and meeting the challenges in making future technologies accessible by design
Global cooperation in harnessing good practices developed nationally is crucial in reducing different types of inequalities, as well as the realization of the other SDGs that make up Agenda 2030.
I thank you.