Minister Jacek Czaputowicz participated in the UN videoconference on the situation of persons with disabilities in armed conflicts
28.05.2020
- Poland is strongly committed to protection of persons with disabilities, an example of which are projects implemented under Polish humanitarian aid, - said the head of Polish diplomacy at the opening of the UN event co-organised by Poland on the sidelines of the Protection of Civilians Week.
During his welcoming speech, Minister Czaputowicz underlined the significance of full implementation of the UN Security Council 2475 on persons with disabilities in armed conflicts, adopted last year on the initiative of Poland and Great Britain. Top Polish diplomat also addressed the event participants to identify loopholes in the POC’s agenda with reference to persons with disabilities. He also indicated the need to promote innovative solutions to support such persons, both at international and national level.
Polish foreign minister pointed out difficulties faced by this group when confronted with life threatening situations or imminent violence. -Adopting the Security Council Resolution 2475 was the first step in changing this status quo, and providing persons with disabilities with equal access to basic services in conflict zones, - stated Minister Czaputowicz. He highlighted that the resolution encourages states to engage persons with disabilities in humanitarian actions and conflict prevention. The minister said that Poland will continue its efforts to free the world from mines and explosive remnants of war.
The discussion was moderated by Catalina Devandas Aguilar – UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The event gathered representatives of civil society who presented testimonies of persons affected by the conflicts in Syria, Yemen, and Iraq.
In the 2020-2022 term, Poland holds a post at the UN Human Rights Council – the most important forum of intergovernmental cooperation in the field of respecting and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms. The Council is tasked with assisting states in fulfilling their obligations concerning protection of human rights through a dialogue, building institutional structures, and technical support.
The protection of civilians in armed conflicts, particularly persons with disabilities and members of ethnic minorities, remains one of Poland’s priorities on the United Nations forum.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Press Office
Photo: Tymon Markowski / MFA
