U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations
12/03/2021 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 12/03/2021 14:46
Chairman Menendez Statement in Observance of International Day of Persons with Disabilities
December 03, 2021
Previous ArticleChairman Menendez Statement in Observance of International Day of Persons with Disabilities
Announces new legislation to support civil society advocacy, rights enforcement, and other efforts to ensure the robust participation, engagement, and achievement of people with disabilities
WASHINGTON - Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) today issued the following statement in observance of International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The Senator also announced he will soon introduce new legislation to build the capacity of local organizations of people with disabilities (OPDs) around the world to support the robust participation, engagement, and achievement of people with disabilities.
"On International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we reaffirm our commitment to safeguarding the fundamental rights of the over one billion people around the world living with disabilities who deserve every opportunity to succeed and thrive in global society. The United States and our international partners must redouble efforts to advance disability rights and combat pervasive threats to individuals' ability to move freely, access health services, choose to live with loved ones, pursue an education and vocation, and fully participate in democratic systems unburdened by exclusionary or discriminatory practices.
"That is why I'm proud to announce I will soon introduce the Global Disability Rights and Family Inclusion Act, a new legislative effort to fill a glaring void in our capacity to provide support to families and communities to protect the right of children and families to live and thrive in the setting of their choice. This legislation will represent yet another critical step forward in ensuring that people with disabilities around the world are able to exercise their fundamental rights and engage freely as equal, respected members of society."
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