The Pacific Islands Forum has congratulated Samoa’s Faatino Utumapu and Palau’s Villaney Remengesau following their successful election to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), describing the achievement as a significant milestone for the Pacific region.
In a statement, the Forum said the election of the two Pacific representatives reflects the region’s growing leadership in advancing the rights, dignity and inclusion of persons with disabilities at the global level.
‘This achievement marks a proud milestone for the Blue Pacific and reflects the strength of Pacific leadership in advancing the rights, dignity, and inclusion of persons with disabilities at the global level.”
The Forum noted that Utumapu and Remengesau have both played leading roles in regional disability advocacy through their service as current and former Co-Chairs of the Pacific Disability Forum.
“As current and former Co-Chairs of the Pacific Disability Forum, Faatino and Villaney have been unwavering advocates for disability rights and have played a pivotal role in amplifying the voices of persons with disabilities across our region.”
The election comes as Pacific leaders and development partners work to finalise the refreshed Pacific Framework on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
According to the Forum, the timing reinforces the region’s commitment to disability-inclusive development.
“Their election comes at a significant moment as Pacific leaders and partners finalise the refreshed Pacific Framework on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, reinforcing our collective commitment to disability-inclusive development and ensuring that no one is left behind.”
The Forum said Pacific countries have made clear their ambition to strengthen the region’s role in global disability governance, including a proposal to host a future session of the CRPD Committee in the Pacific by 2030.
“The Pacific has made clear its ambition to strengthen its voice and leadership in global disability governance, including the proposal to host a future session of the CRPD Committee in the Pacific by 2030.”
The Forum said the presence of Utumapu and Remengesau on the Committee would help ensure Pacific priorities and experiences are represented in international discussions.
“Their presence on the Committee will help ensure that Pacific perspectives, priorities, and lived experiences contribute meaningfully to international discussions and decision-making.”
Speaking on behalf of the Pacific Islands Forum, Palau Minister of State Gustav Aitaro highlighted the region’s commitment to disability inclusion across all sectors.
“Guided by the principle of “Nothing about us, without us,” the Pacific Islands Forum remains committed to ensuring disability inclusion is integrated across all sectors, including climate action, health, education, and emerging technologies.”
The Forum also reaffirmed its ongoing partnership with the Pacific Disability Forum and the Pacific Community on disability inclusion and equity initiatives across the region.
“The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat continues to partner with the Pacific Disability Forum as the regional representative body for persons with disabilities, and the Pacific-Community-SPC on this critical work of disability inclusion and equity” .
