The Chair of the Human Rights and Civil Integration Committee, Rati Ionatamishvili, delivered a remote address to the participants of the 18th session of the Conference of States Parties to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

In his speech, R. Ionatamishvili emphasized the importance of uniting efforts to advance the rights of persons with disabilities. He also addressed the need to raise public awareness and, in this context, highlighted the significant role and influence of successful Georgian para-athletes.

R. Ionatamishvili underscored the severe human rights and humanitarian crisis faced by persons with disabilities living in the occupied territories of Georgia.

“Despite the progress achieved, many challenges remain, as genuine development begins only when individuals can see themselves in the future we are building together. On the path to transforming the outcomes of the Summit of the Future into tangible progress, the effective implementation of the Pact—particularly its provisions related to the rights of persons with disabilities—is of critical importance”, – R. Ionatamishvili stated.

This year’s session of the conference focuses on the following key themes: raising awareness on disability and persons with disabilities, the role of artificial intelligence in enhancing accessibility and inclusion, and empowering the disability community in the lead-up to the Second World Summit for Social Development, scheduled to be held in Doha from 4–6 November.