A/HRC/34/69 and World of Inclusion took the floor. Speakers addressed the need for quality training of media professionals to be provided by persons with disabilities, and to work with mainstream media instead of through separate programming; lack of opportunities for ethnic minorities; the need for presenting the holistic approach adopted in the Convention in order to reflect diversity; greater awareness on female genital mutilation, exploitation, witchcraft and accusations of possession; the need for reliable indicators for research, including quality of life indicators; engaging mass media to portray disability adequately; creating platforms for the participation of persons with disabilities in media; raising awareness on the full enjoyment of legal capacity; and removal of barriers for hard of hearing and deaf people in media and entertainment. 20. Responding, Ms. Shin stressed the need for more research on and understanding of disabilities, and especially to expose people to diverse perspectives from an early age through human connection. Persons with disabilities must be represented in national assemblies. Ms. Lawson proposed undertaking research on quality of life, which should not, however, be based on people’s own perceptions. Researchers should disseminate results widely and work with funders to promote inclusion and diversity. Ms. González pointed to the need for research to explain violence and trafficking of women with disabilities. Journalists, politicians and others should not use inappropriate language with respect to people with disabilities. C. Accessibility and non-discrimination: leaving no one behind 21. A representative of the Indigenous Persons with Disabilities Global Network Asia Chapter, Pratima Gurung, stated that indigenous persons with disabilities faced multiple forms of segregation and discrimination, owing to customary values and practices, attitudes towards disability based on ethnicity and inappropriate services. Lack of understanding of cultural frameworks and community dynamics aggravated their exclusion. The impacts were not reported, and little debated. Social deprivations, insufficient service policies and challenging living conditions experienced by persons with disabilities had entrenched cycles of poverty. A one-size-fits-all approach to enhance accessibility for indigenous persons with disabilities was not feasible; rather, a participatory approach that considered differences in aspirations, social contexts and cultural preferences was required. 22. The Director of the Cuban Association of the Deaf, Alejandro Marzo Peña, described the Cuban national plan of action for persons with disabilities, which focused on civil society in the framework of the Convention and the Sustainable Development Goals. The health-care and education systems were free and universal. The social security law benefited persons with disabilities. The right to work without discrimination was guaranteed. Cuba had undertaken programmes that raised awareness, with the participation of stakeholders, and that focused on eradicating all barriers. Steps had been taken towards improving accessibility, including the use of sign language interpreters, Braille and technology to facilitate access to information. Cuba was working on an inclusive education system that would involve teachers, families and the community as part of the transformative development process of individuals. 23. A representative of International Longevity Centre Global Alliance, Silvia PerelLevin, affirmed that ageist attitudes had obstructed the realization of the rights of persons with disabilities, including through inadequate pension schemes, lack of access to preventive health care or rehabilitation services and delayed, inadequate or undignified treatments for older persons. Age limits for disability benefits prevented such persons from seeking protection under the Convention. Challenges included a lack of legislation, monitoring, adequate quality standards and qualified caregivers. Yet specific references to older persons were rare in human rights treaties. States had to recognize the discrimination 7