UNCRPD
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2025.09.08
3.18 Deputy L.M.C. Doublet of St. Saviour of the Minister for Social Security regarding the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) (OQ. 180/2025):
Will the Minister advise whether the Government intends to seek the extension or ratification of the U.N.C.R.P.D. (United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities) to Jersey and if not, why not?
Deputy L.V. Feltham of St. Helier Central (The Minister for Social Security):
I thank the Deputy for her question. Earlier this year I raised the possibility of extending the ratification of the U.N.C.R.P.D. with a range of stakeholders and put it on the agenda for discussion with the Disability and Inclusion Advisory Group. The group's discussion was focused on making sure that any decision to ratify must enhance and not distract from the Government's aim of improving inclusivity and accessibility across the Island. They said that it was a case of ensuring that the resources that we have are targeted at the areas that will have the greatest impact. Following on from that discussion, I have ensured that the Disability and Inclusion team will be undertaking a process to assess our current policy and practice against the relevant Articles of the Convention. This will help them to determine the value of extending ratification and explore how best this can be achieved, including identifying a realistic and meaningful timeframe. It is important to note that the Jersey Disability Strategy is already grounded in the principles of the U.N.C.R.P.D. As such, the Convention is already guiding the Government's actions and we are absolutely aligned with its principles.
3.18.1 Deputy L.M.C. Doublet :
I thank the Minister for her response, and I look forward to hearing the outcome of that. Could she give an idea of a timeframe for when we might be able to hear an update on that? Also, is there going to be an update to the Disability and Inclusion Strategy anytime soon?
Deputy L.V. Feltham :
As I said, the Disability and Inclusion team are currently undertaking that process. I do have a Disability and Inclusion Advisory Group next week, which I would hope to receive a further update. I will continue to update the Deputy and her Scrutiny Panel as this work progresses.