The UN Celebrates Guyana’s Commitment to Children with Disabilities

The Government of Guyana formally adopted the Core Principles for Engaging Persons with Disabilities, a landmark step toward inclusive development, equity, and human dignity.

This milestone was celebrated at the Unleash Ability Summit, hosted by UNICEF Guyana, which brought together a diverse group of stakeholders. The gathering focused on empowering persons with disabilities, including children, to participate in society as leaders and equals.

The eight Core Principles for Engaging People, Including Children, with Disabilities emphasize respect, inclusion, and accountability. These principles include treating persons with disabilities respectfully and using inclusive language; ensuring every child with disabilities has full and effective access to education and healthcare; recognizing the right to self-determination; ensuring equal rights in family life; encouraging employment and participation in cultural and recreational life; safeguarding well-being; delivering services with privacy and dignity; and upholding high standards of professional conduct.

The principles were jointly endorsed by a broad coalition of stakeholders including the Private Sector Commission (PSC), the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), members of the Diplomatic Corps, key government ministries, the National Commission on Disability, the Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities (GCOPD), and United Nations agencies. 

Speaking at the summit, Dr. Gillian Smith, UN Resident Coordinator (a.i), described the summit as more than a conference but a call to action. “Inclusion is not optional; it is foundational. Disability is not a deficit; it is a form of human diversity. Today, we stand together to break down social, cultural, and institutional barriers and create systems that are inclusive by design,” she said.

Delivering the feature address, Hon. Dr. Vindhya Persaud, Minister of Human Services and Social Security, reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to building a more inclusive society. 

“A nation is judged by how it treats its most vulnerable and we are committed to ensuring equal rights and inclusive opportunities,” she said. Echoing her sentiments, Hon. Dr. Frank Anthony, Minister of Health, noted that his ministry has been working assiduously with persons across different regions to be inclusive. He emphasized the expansion of inclusive healthcare as a national priority.

Noting that UNICEF’s work is strictly guided by the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), Mr. Abdul Saleh, UNICEF Representative for Guyana and Suriname (a.i), said, “At UNICEF, we work every day to protect and promote the rights of every child, without exception. Children with disabilities deserve not just access to services, but the opportunity to lead, thrive, and shape the future.” 

The Unleash Ability Summit, first of its kind, served as a platform for persons with disabilities to share their experiences and help shape solutions. Through focused group discussions, participants addressed key issues such as accessibility in public spaces and transportation, as well as challenges in healthcare, education, housing, and employment. These conversations are expected to result in concrete actions and priorities for 2025–2027 to help build a more inclusive future for all in Guyana.

While the Persons with Disabilities Act (2010) remains a foundational legal framework, there was a collective call for renewal of the Act at the Summit. Participants underscored that true inclusion requires more than legislation. It demands implementation, sustained investment, and most importantly, the leadership and participation of persons with disabilities themselves.

First published by UNICEF Guyana [edits made by the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator]