New zealand’s leadership, commitment on disability issues deeply inspiring,

Says Secretary-General at new york award ceremony

 

Following are UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s remarks at the presentation of the Franklin Delano Roosevelt International Disability Award in New York, 6 May:

I am delighted to join you all for the presentation of the Franklin Delano Roosevelt International Disability Award.

Allow me to extend a warm welcome to the Governor-General of New Zealand.  Let me also recognize Mr. Mike Gourley, Ms. Anna Roosevelt, Ambassador William vanden Heuvel, the Honourable Michael Deland, Dr. Young Woo Kang, Mr. Robert Hall and all our distinguished guests for being here for today’s ceremony.  You are all true friends of the United Nations, and I thank you.

The enjoyment by all people -- including those with disabilities -- of all human rights lies at the heart of the United Nations mission.  The FDR Award highlights this commitment, and brings much needed attention to disability issues worldwide.

Since the Award’s establishment in 1995, the world has reached new levels of awareness of the needs of persons with disabilities.  There has been much progress on how disabilities are viewed -- many domestic laws have been passed, a landmark International Convention has been approved, and persons with disabilities have become better integrated into many societies.  At the same time, for many people with disabilities, a lack of access to essential services and pervasive discrimination still endure as facts of life.

That is why this year’s Award is especially important.  It coincides with the sixtieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights -- that great magna carta of the modern age.  This document, imbued with the spirit and convictions of Mrs. Roosevelt, speaks to our highest aspirations, as well as our most basic commitments.  It underscores our collective belief that if human rights are to truly matter anywhere, they must be ensured everywhere and for everyone.  This premise also drives today’s Award.  We gather to highlight the shared endeavour of Governments, the United Nations, civil society and the private sector to improve the lives of disabled people everywhere, and to give meaning to universality of universal human rights.

Mr. Governor-General,

It was a proud day for all Koreans, including me, when the Republic of Korea became the first recipient of the FDR Award in 1995.  Today, as United Nations Secretary-General, I take equal pride in congratulating New Zealand as the tenth recipient of the Franklin Delano Roosevelt International Disability Award.

New Zealand is already widely recognized for its leadership on disability issues.  In particular, you have been a leading proponent of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

In adopting this landmark document last year, the United Nations General Assembly opened a new era in the fight for the rights of persons with disabilities.  It was the culmination of many years of hard work by countless Governments, organizations and individuals, including many persons with disabilities from all over the world.

The delicate task of guiding this treaty through the General Assembly fell to Ambassador McKay of New Zealand.  As Chair of the Ad Hoc Committee charged with drafting the Convention, Ambassador McKay’s inspired leadership ensured an open, transparent and inclusive process that led us to a successful outcome.

Of course, Ambassador McKay’s leadership in the international community reflects New Zealand’s deep commitment to disability issues domestically.  The Government’s comprehensive disability strategy led New Zealand to adopt Sign Language as its third official language in 1996.  It has also promoted quality living for persons with disabilities within their communities.  As a result of these many similar measures, New Zealand has become a model for the world on disability issues.

I congratulate the Government and people of New Zealand on their achievements.

Mr. Governor-General,

I know I speak for everyone here when I say how deeply inspired we are by your country’s leadership.  Your example strengthens our resolve to ensure human rights and development for all -- especially through the full and meaningful participation of persons with disabilities in every level of society, from the local to the global.

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For information media • not an official record