UN Secretary-General António Guterres called on Tuesday for technology to be used to promote the inclusion of more than a billion people with disabilities who need technological assistance around the world.
At the 15th session of the conference of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Guterres indicated that this is an important moment of balance and reflection on the subject and that technology can Promote equal opportunitiesbreak down barriers and create inclusive environments for people with disabilities.
More than a billion people around the world need assistive technology, but in many countries these essential tools remain inaccessible to almost everyone,” he said.
“Embracing the promise of technology means closing the digital divide, expanding accessibility and inclusion, and improving the protection of people against its dangers,” added the former Portuguese ruler.
The UN Secretary-General also called for a further promoting the participation of people with disabilities in the labor market on equal terms, as well as greater participation in climate action.
“People with disabilities are two to four times more likely to die during hurricanes, tsunamis and other natural disasters. At the same time, they are a unique resource of knowledge and experience to build more resilient societies,” said Guterres.
The former Prime Minister of Portugal recalled that in situations of armed conflict, people with disabilities cannot escape violence and do not receive adequate humanitarian supportand urged the States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to guarantee the equal protection of these citizens and provide them with safe, timely and unhindered access to humanitarian assistance.
Source: Observadora
