Activist, actor and presenter Nick Herd will lead the UN News team as its first guest editor on Tuesday, as people from around the world gather at UN Headquarters for the largest global gathering on disability issues.

This will be the opening day of the 17th session of the Conference of States Parties (COSP17) to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which will take place from 11 to 13 June 2024.

On the eve of the meeting, Herd speaks to UN News about his work and experience in human rights and at the UN.

“What I want most is to connect with others and meet people who care about the same things I do. This past year I’ve made new friends and shared stories, which has been great.

Accessibility and inclusivity are of the utmost importance to me. One thing that really caught my attention last year was how everyone was talking about making things easier for people with disabilities. It was great to see so many people caring about making the world a better place for us..

I am Canadian (…) and part of the El Arca community in Toronto. La Arca has nearly 160 communities in 37 countries around the world, fostering inclusive relationships in which people with and without intellectual disabilities improve the lives of others.

Employment, technology and humanitarian crises

This year, COSP17 focuses on technology, employment and humanitarian crises from a disability perspective. Technology is changing the way we live and work, and so are people with disabilities.

We'll talk about how technological advances can create new opportunities and help people like us. From accessibility features on smartphones to assistive devices in the workplaceTechnology has the power to level the playing field and improve our lives.

Unfortunately, conflicts and wars around the world disproportionately affect people with disabilities, and I have seen first-hand the challenges that members of L’Arche communities face in conflict zones. COSP17 will shed light on these issues and advocate for increased support and protection for people affected by conflict.

When it comes to employment, finding it and keeping it This can be difficult for anyone, but especially for people with disabilities.. Discrimination, lack of accessibility and stigma are just some of the barriers we face. Through discussions, we will work to find solutions that improve employment opportunities and ensure equal rights for all.

These issues are important to me, as is the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Technology to the rescue

Technology plays a crucial role in improving my life as a person with a disability, allowing me to connect, communicate and understand information with greater ease and independence. Here’s how:

• Staying Connected: Technology allows me to stay connected wherever I am, with my friends, family, and the world around me. Whether it’s through social media, video calls, or messaging apps. You can even follow me on Instagram
• Better communication: Tools like text-to-speech, speech-to-text, and communication apps help me communicate more easily. Facilitate my expression and understanding of others, whether I’m chatting with friends or attending meetings. For example, I’ll use WhatsApp to stay in touch with the El Arca team during COSP17 in New York

• Understanding information: With tools such as screen readers, magnifiers, and accessible websites, I can access and understand information more effectively, enabling me to learn, work, and participate in various activities.

  

Three Ways Employment Changed My Life

As a disabled person, employment is important. The most important thing is to be included.

• My animated film Freebird was nominated for an Oscar in 2021. It was quite an event. It showed that people with disabilities can also shine. Working on the film as a creative director was a highlight of my career.
• Working together is also crucial. Collaboration is essential in my work. Working with others helps us all come up with better ideas and achieve great things.
• Equally important is being able to express myself. As an artist and freelancer, having a job allows me to bring my unique perspective. It allows me to be myself and show what I can do, which is pretty amazing.

Dignity and disability

Every person deserves to feel safe and respected in their life. No matter who you are, where you come from, whether you have a disability or not: being treated badly is never acceptable. Whether at school, at work or anywhere else, harassment, abuse and neglect should never be tolerated.

In difficult times, such as emergencies, disasters or wars, it is very important that governments do everything they can to keep us safe. They must follow the rules set by the world to make sure that everything is going well for us.

It is essential to remember that no one should be forgotten or left behind. We all have the right to be protected and valued.

Human rights for all

Why do I care about human rights as a person with disabilities? Human rights are not just words on paper; They are essential for people like me to live their lives to the fullest. and contribute meaningfully to society. Three reasons come to mind.

• Get the help I need: Human rights ensure that I can access essential resources and support services, such as health care, education, employment, and tools that meet my needs, helping me live with dignity and independence.
• Feeling included: These rights promote inclusion by combating discrimination based on disability. They ensure fair treatment for all, combating stereotypes and stigma. In addition, society becomes more welcoming, where everyone's contributions are valued.
• Let’s stand for change: When it comes to conflict, we know that people with disabilities are the hardest hit by wars. As part of L’Arche, we have communities in places like Haiti, Bethlehem, and Ukraine who are experiencing this. Being part of the El Arca solidarity community gives us the solidarity, strength, and resilience to come together in these difficult times. With the support of humanitarian rights, we can ensuring that people with disabilities are not forgotten when things get tough

Rights and opportunities

Living a life of dignity means having all the rights that make us human. We should all have the right to make decisions for ourselves, like what we want to do or where we want to go. We all deserve a safe place to call home and enough food every day.

Communication is also very important. It is essential that people talk to us in a way that we can understand them. This way, we can express ourselves and others understand us. And it is not just about talking. Everyone should have the same opportunities to receive health care, to go to school, and to find a job that they enjoy.

Governments play an important role in ensuring these rights are protected, and it is very important that our voices are heard. People with disabilities deserve the support they need to live happy and fulfilling lives.

The goal of COSP17 is to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, has a fair chance in life. It is a place to create change for the better.

Let's work together to ensure we all have the rights and opportunities we deserve.

Join us on June 11 when I resume the UN News live blog. We will start at 8am. I hope you will join us.