An Indian delegation, led by Shri Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, actively participated in the BRICS Disability Forum Meeting held virtually on December 13, 2023. The meeting, chaired by South Africa (BRICS Sherpa), aimed at establishing the BRICS Disability Forum.

The key objectives of the BRICS Disability Forum include promoting the mainstreaming of disability inclusion across BRICS’ processes, priority areas, declarations, and agreements. The forum will also serve as a platform for the exchange of best practices, research, and knowledge related to disability.

Despite annual summits addressing significant global issues, disability has not been part of high-level discussions within BRICS. The BRICS Disability Forum seeks to rectify this, recognizing the direct impact these issues have on the lives of individuals with disabilities across all BRICS countries.

The forum intends to expedite the implementation of existing commitments, principles, goals, and actions outlined in international instruments such as the United Nations Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and UN Agenda 2030. All BRICS member countries are state parties to UNCRPD and have ratified it, affirming their commitment to Sustainable Development Goals.

Given the integral role persons with disabilities play in economic, social, and cultural development, the BRICS Disability Forum emphasizes their empowerment as a crucial part of addressing challenges like food security, poverty reduction, and sustainable development. The proposal for a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with South Africa in the disability sector highlights the commitment to collaboration.

The Indian delegation, including Shri Rajesh Yadav, Joint Secretary (Policy), Shri Kishor B. Surwade, DDG, Shri Praveen Kumar, CMD, ALIMCO, and Shri Mayank Goel from the Ministry of External Affairs, actively engaged in the meeting. The discussions concluded with strong commitments and a vision for extended collaboration between BRICS Countries in the disability sector.

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MG/MS/VL/SD

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