Junior Minister Kelly calls for dignity and human rights for persons with disabilities

Junior Minister Gerry Kelly has called for a greater understanding of disability issues during a keynote address to mark this year's International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

Speaking at the Disability Action event at the Hilton Hotel, he said: “ The purpose of today is to promote an understanding of disability issues and gain support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.

“We must all recognise that there is much to gain from the full integration of people with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.

“The equality of treatment for people with a disability is a priority for the Executive in the fight for social justice and in the creation of a society which is fair and which offers the individual dignity and respect. We are committed to working across Government to remove barriers to participation and achieve measurable improvements in the lives of people with disabilities,” he added.

The theme of this year’s day is: “Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: Dignity and Justice for all of us”.

Notes to Editors:

1. The Convention is an international treaty that identifies the rights of persons with disabilities as well as the obligations on State parties to the Convention to promote, protect and ensure those rights. It is due to be ratified in Spring 2009.
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