A/HRC/43/41/Add.2
coordination body of bilateral, multilateral and private donors and agencies, and hosted its
2019 annual meeting.
86.
The increased involvement of Global Affairs Canada in activities supporting the
inclusion of persons with disabilities in international development is positive. The 2030
Agenda for Sustainable Development presents a unique opportunity to strengthen
international cooperation in a disability-inclusive manner. Canada should continue
mainstreaming the rights of persons with disabilities and foresee disability-specific funds in
its international assistance. Disability markers to monitor mainstream international
cooperation efforts can contribute to these ends.
V. Conclusions and recommendations
A.
Conclusions
87.
In Canada there are all the conditions to fully implement the Government’s
obligations under the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, but more
must be done to complete the transition from a care and medical approach to a
human rights-based approach. During her visit, the Special Rapporteur witnessed the
commitment and political will at all levels to protect and guarantee the rights of
persons with disabilities. Nonetheless, a review of the Canadian system, albeit through
the lens of the federal Government and the provinces of Ontario, Quebec, New
Brunswick, Nova Scotia and British Columbia, indicates that systemic problems
remain. While inclusion and respect for diversity are two key values promoted by the
Government at home and abroad, persons with disabilities do not automatically enjoy
the same opportunities and rights as everyone else in their community.
88.
One significant challenge preventing comprehensive and sustainable progress
in this area is the fact that policymaking is disjointed and that there is poor
coordination between the federal Government and the provincial and territorial
governments in the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with
Disabilities. This has led to sizeable discrepancies in the levels of protection and in the
enjoyment of rights across provinces and territories and a fragmented and complex
array of programmes, services and benefits that are difficult to navigate and access.
Many of these efforts are unsustainable and even contrary to the rights of persons
with disabilities. Systemic and systematic changes are needed to truly provide
inclusive responses and solutions for all persons with disabilities, align resources with
policy intent and provide much needed services and support in the community on an
equal basis with others. While adopting federal legislation to address accessibility for
persons with disabilities is an important step, much remains to be done to achieve a
barrier-free and inclusive Canada.
89.
Canada needs to adopt a human rights-based approach to disability and truly
embrace the spirit and principles of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with
Disabilities. Such an approach should be integrated into all policies, strategies,
programmes and responses, at the federal, provincial, territorial and local levels, to
ensure equal outcomes for persons with disabilities. The various pilot initiatives and
good practices in place could, if adequately scaled up, promote significant change for
persons with disabilities in Canada.
90.
The Special Rapporteur looks forward to a continued dialogue and
collaboration with the State and other actors on the implementation of her
recommendations.
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