On June 28th, 2024, at the 54th General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS) the Government of Saint Lucia signed the Inter-American Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (CIADDIS). The agreement was signed by Secretary General of the OAS Luis Almagro and Honorable Alva Baptiste, Minister for External Affairs, International Trade, Civil Aviation and Diaspora Affairs.
CIADDIS was adopted on June 7th, 1999, by the OAS General Assembly during its 29th Ordinary Session in Guatemala. This Convention is a significant instrument in the Inter-American System, providing a comprehensive framework for addressing discrimination against persons with disabilities. In addition, the Convention promotes the full integration of persons with disabilities in all aspects of society through various initiatives at the national level.
Article 1.2 of the Convention specifies discrimination against persons with disabilities when it says that discrimination is “any distinction, exclusion or restriction based on a disability, record of disability, result of previous disability, or the recognition, enjoyment or exercise by persons with disabilities of their human rights and fundamental freedoms”. The Convention became effective on September 14th, 2001, where a total of twenty (20) member states of the Organization of American States (OAS) signed the Convention and eighteen (18) countries ratified it.
On March 8th, 2024, Saint Lucia witnessed a historic moment as the former Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, the Honorable Jeremiah Norbert, took the oath as the newest Minister of Cabinet with the crucial responsibility for Persons with Disabilities and Crime Prevention. This significant appointment marks the first time that Saint Lucia has a ministerial portfolio specifically dedicated to persons with disabilities.
Honorable Norbert’s personal commitment to this cause is deeply rooted in his own experience, having lost his right leg in a motorcycle accident shortly before the 2021 general election. In a statement released from the Office of the Prime Minister, Honorable Norbert’s appointment is portrayed as a meaningful stride towards eliminating the social and cultural obstacles faced by persons with disabilities. This move underscores the government’s determination to prioritize the rights and well-being of this community.
Source: Ministry of External Affairs, International Trade, Civil Aviation and Diaspora Affairs
