Summary (English)

This joint statement reflects our shared commitment to inclusive social protection systems for persons with disabilities. The statement emerged from meetings and discussions between international partners working on the issues of disability and social protection. These meetings also contributed to the first report of the United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to the UN General Assembly (September 2015), which highlighted the importance of disability-inclusive social protection systems. Noting the key findings of international experiences gathered from different stakeholders, this joint statement sets out the specific risks and vulnerabilities faced by persons with disabilities and their families and how social protection systems can effectively protect them from livelihood shocks, reduce and prevent poverty and enable them to participate fully in society. We hope that this statement will guide and support future action to ensure that social protection systems take into account the rights of persons with disabilities and support their full and effective participation.