Barbados takes major step forward for disability rights

In a significant move towards enhancing disability rights, Barbados has submitted its inaugural report to the United Nations under the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). The milestone marks a crucial step in the country’s journey towards inclusivity, highlighting both progress and challenges in areas such as education, employment, and healthcare.

The report, a requirement of the treaty ratified in 2013, provides a comprehensive assessment of the country’s progress, challenges, and future objectives in promoting the rights of persons with disabilities.

Speaking at the official handover ceremony on Tuesday held at the National Disabilities Unit headquarters, the director of the unit, John Hollingsworth, described the event as “a very significant milestone”.

“But the work is not over,” Hollingsworth added. “The draft report must now undergo stakeholder and ministerial reviews before submission to Parliament and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for final ratification.” He further noted that once the report reaches the UN Committee, it will be scrutinised, and Barbados will be expected to respond to any questions or concerns raised.

Professor Dwayne Devonish, who was brought on as a consultant in drafting the document, hailed the report as a collective achievement.

“This was the feat of Barbados,” he declared. “We relied on multiple stakeholders—not just government ministries, but also the private sector and civil society, including the Barbados Council for the Disabled.”

The 100-page report evaluates Barbados’ legislative and policy advancements since ratifying the CRPD, covering 32 key articles. One of the major developments highlighted is the ongoing constitutional reform, which aims to include disability rights in the new legal framework.

On the issue of education, the report recognises strides in incorporating special needs education into national transformation efforts. However, it also acknowledges lingering challenges, particularly regarding accessibility in both public and private institutions.

“The conversation has focused on mainstream education, but we need to ensure that special education and inclusive learning environments are also prioritised,” Professor Devonish said.

Employment remains a critical concern, with the report outlining initiatives to encourage businesses to hire persons with disabilities. It also underscores the need for disability-sensitive workplace training.

“There is no room for discrimination in our labour market,” the professor added, while highlighting vocational training programmes that now include persons with disabilities in fields such as carpentry and welding.

Healthcare accessibility is another key area addressed, with calls for improvements in physical access to medical facilities beyond the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. The report also underscores the importance of accessible family planning services and reproductive health rights for persons with disabilities.

Despite these advancements, legislative gaps persist. The report stresses the need for further regulatory measures to fully implement CRPD principles.

Reflecting on the significance of the report, Professor Devonish posed three strategic questions: “Where are we now? Where do we need to go? And how will we get there?” He stressed that achieving meaningful change requires a collaborative approach involving government, businesses, civil society, and the broader Barbadian community.

“Trust is the cement of every relationship,” he concluded. “If we are to move forward—not just as a community, but as a country—it is essential that trust guides our journey.”

Felicia Inniss, chair of the National Committee to Monitor the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, said the finalised report is expected to be submitted to the UN later this year.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs, Jehu Wiltshire, said that the country’s disability agenda is not merely about meeting international obligations under the UN CRPD but about fostering a truly inclusive society. (SZB)