Representatives from cbm’s US Member Association were invited to participate in a special ceremony at the UN to mark the signature and entry into force of the UN convention on the rights of persons with disabilities. Ron Nabors, chief executive of cbm US, represented the cbm family at the event on May 12th. The ceremony took place inside the UN headquarters in New York.

The accord, billed as a "comprehensive human rights convention”, underlines the rights of persons with disabilities to full participation in society. Ron congratulated the UN for bringing in a new era for the protection of such fundamental rights.“I am encouraged by the Convention with the signing of 128 countries, and ratified by 25 countries,” said Ron. “It is very appropriate that it targets a community that has been marginalised for so long.”

The Convention outlaws discrimination against persons with disabilities in all areas of life, including employment, education, health services, transportation and access to justice, among others. cbm advocates for the inclusion of people with a disability as equals in all aspects of society, and believes that people with a disability have the same rights as everyone else to healthcare, education, and livelihood opportunities.

Ron said: “This signing is a tribute to the resolute and dedicated global efforts to ensure that the rights of the world’s estimated 650m persons with disabilities are guaranteed and protected.”

Ron also met with His Excellency, Ambassador Luis Gallegos, the Ecuadorian Ambassador to the United States, who helped to draft the accord on the rights of persons with disabilities, and is a supporter of cbm’s work.