Statement by
Mr. Mohammad Zareian
First Counsellor
Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations
On “Building back better: COVID-19 response and recovery - persons with disabilities”
Before “14th session of the Conference of States Parties (COSP) to
the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)”
New York, 15 June 2021
In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful.
Mr. President,
The Islamic Republic of Iran firmly believes that all persons with disabilities should enjoy widespread support within all aspects of their lives. The relevant institutions for the implementation of the CRPD in Iran, in particular, zealously work to promote the health, education, equality and wellbeing of persons with disabilities. Furthermore, the community of persons with disabilities is strongly supported during this current difficult situation.
Mr. President,
Unilateral coercive measures continue to adversely affect persons with disabilities, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic in Iran. Evidently, these two impediments generate severe difficulties even for those with better and more effective rehabilitation access as well as employment opportunities. Furthermore, unilateral coercive measures have hampered the procurement of essential equipment, including but not limited to artificial limbs, well-equipped vehicles and special medicines. A considerable number of persons with disabilities in Iran include war veterans as well as war victims of chemical attacks as a result of the eight-year imposed war by Saddam, who was also assisted by some Western countries. These war victims are in severe need of special treatments and face numerous difficulties due to the denied transfer of their medicine to Iran as the consequence of US’ unilateral coercive measures.
Mr. President,
In spite of all the difficulties that my Country faces, mainstreaming disability issues have become an integral part of our relevant Policies on Sustainable Development and “5-Years Development Plans”.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we took many steps to help persons with disabilities in an effort to better cope with the challenging situation. A few of the best practices are as follows:
Reduction of face to face medical checkups for persons with disabilities in prominent and populated medical centers to ensure reduced exposure and transmission risk.
Increase in the allocation of support budgets for medical centers and those persons with disabilities who are cared for by their families.
Prioritizing admission of disabled persons and the elderly for COVID-19 vaccinations in care centers.
Exemption of personal vehicles for persons with disabilities from traffic restrictions.
In conclusion, the Islamic Republic of Iran strongly requests the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the State Parties to first and foremost work towards removing the international obstacles that hamper the realization of the human rights of persons with disabilities. Second, there needs to be an allocation of increased support towards preserving the CRPD’s concepts and provisions from politicization and the subsequent effects of political intentions. The main goal for the CRPD is aimed towards helping persons with disabilities to benefit from their rights, and it should and will be preserved in its sense.
Thank you.