Our submission to the International Disability Equity and Rights Strategy

ADDC’s vision is that the voices and rights of people with disabilities are elevated, reflected in, and inform all international development policies and programs of Australian agencies. In pursuit of this vision, we welcome the opportunity to provide input drawn from the experience and expertise of our membership to the formation of the Australian Government’s forthcoming International Disability Equity and Rights Strategy (‘the Strategy’).

The release of the Government’s first disability inclusive development strategy, Development for All, in 2009 paved the way for other donor governments, INGOs and multilateral organisations to follow in practising and promoting disability inclusion. Today, the Strategy offers a similar opportunity for the Australian Government to again lead globally in advancing disability equity in partnership with the international disability movement. 

In this submission, ADDC recommends a framework explaining how DFAT can think and act to advance the realisation of disability equity and rights throughout our region and globally. Drawing on this framework, a series of approaches, foundational commitments and recommendations are outlined as critical to delivering on this vision.

Now, more than ever, it is critical for Australia to have an ambitious, accountable and resourced approach to disability equity and rights in their international efforts.

Our submission can be found in accessible Word and PDF versions.