Summary of event

The event will enable self-advocates with Down syndrome to reach out to members of the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, government officials, and civil society representatives. The aim will be to ensure they see how to ensure people with Down syndrome are not left behind when it comes to accessing meaningful employment and an adequate standard of living. In doing so, we hope to encourage these key stakeholders to disseminate this message through their work to bring about change and ensure persons with Down syndrome are able to live fulfilling lives in society on an equal basis with others. 

 Participants will comprise a mix of persons with Down syndrome, supporters and advocates, government and UN officials and NGO representatives with professional experience and expertise. Efforts will be made to invite participants from a diverse range of countries and world regions.

The side event will feature presentations by self-advocates with Down syndrome and an “open format” discussion to encourage maximum learning and arrive at tangible follow up actions.

Moderator

• Vanessa Dos Santos, President, Down Syndrome International

Opening:

• Ambassador Maria Nazareth Farani Azevêdo, Permanent Representative of Brazil to the UN in Geneva
• Robert Martin, Member of the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

Speakers include:           

• Jürgen Menze, Disability Inclusion Officer, International Labour Organization
• Iria Gunter, self-advocate, Switzerland
• Otto Baxter, self-advocate, UK
• Morgan Maze, self-advocate, Indonesia
• Niccolo Vallese, self-advocate, Italy
• Montse Durà Plans and Rafael Gomez Martin, self-advocates, Spain

Organisation 

This event is organised by Permanent Mission of Brazil to the UN in Geneva and Down Syndrome International, with co-sponsorship from the Permanent Missions of Israel, Australia and the UK to the UN in Geneva and the International Labour Organization and support from the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the International Disability Alliance.