DISCORSO PRONUNCIATO DAL VICE RAPPRESENTANTE PERMANENTE DELL’ITALIA PRESSO LE NAZIONI UNITE, AMBASCIATORE INIGO LAMBERTINI, ALL’EVENTO “TOWARD THE FULL REALIZATION OF AN INCLUSIVE AND ACCESSIBLE UNITED NATIONS FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES” – (27 ottobre 2015)

Excellencies, Ms. Special Rapporteur, Colleagues, Ladies and Gentlemen,

With my presence here I intend to join the voices who regard the full realization of a United Nations that proves inclusive, accessible and friendly for persons with disabilities, in all their forms, be there physical or mental as a clear objective that can be delayed no more. In this regard, Italy supports an ongoing cross-regional initiative on this theme, that we hope will lay the basis for an actual improvement of working conditions for persons with disabilities at the UN.

It is indeed clear to me that the subject of today’s meeting is a key one, as a condition for the full enjoyment of human rights for all people, irrespective of their contingencies, and as a development instrument, as also acknowledged in the 2006 Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Such a path is clearly multi-dimensional.

First of all, progressively aiming at strengthening the actual infrastructure of all UN premises here at HQ and around the world, to create equitable working conditions for all.

Second of all, we ought to raise awareness on protecting and promoting the rights of persons with disabilities, as awareness is always the high road for taking stock of possible shortcomings of a situation and for singling out the right solution.

Finally, we must recognize and tap the full potential of the contribution to the work of the UN by people with disabilities. It holds true that those people have given proof – in the UN and beyond – of a fortitude and of peaks of nobleness and exceptionalism with no comparison to others, notwithstanding, or more probably thanks to, the sufferings they have experienced.

In these cases it always comes to my mind the example of Alex Zanardi, a former Italian automobile pilot who in 2001 lost both his legs after a dreadful accident. Since then, through his strength of mind, determination and love for life, he has managed to regain the life he had beforehand while no one predicted he could, returning to professionally driving, taking part in swimming competitions, winning gold medals at the 2012 London Paralympics, becoming a successful TV anchor.

Let’s let him and persons like him be an example and an inspiration for us all.