Inclusion Resources: CBM Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean Region

CBM Regional Advisory Committee Eastern Mediterranean Region officially opened by HRH Prince Raad Bin Zeid

Amman, Jordan, July 17 2010

The CBM Regional Office Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) invited regional key experts involved in promoting the rights of persons with disabilities to form a CBM Regional Advisory Committee EMR. The Committee will be a means for the involvement of rights holders- and partner representatives in all stages of programme development, as recommended in Article 4.3 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

CBM is an international disability and development organisation committed to improving the quality of life of persons with disabilities in the poorest countries in the world. CBM is recognised by the World Health Organisation and obtained roster consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council.

The CBM Regional Advisory Committee EMR was officially opened by HRH Prince Raad Bin Zeid.

HRH Prince Raad Bin Zeid expressed his appreciation for the work of CBM in the region, as well as his full support for the establishment of its Regional Advisory Committee which promotes the inclusion of the perspectives of persons with disabilities in CBM`s strategies and programmes.

Members of the CBM Regional Advisory Committee EMR are Disability Activists, as well as experts from different governmental and non-governmental organisations in the region. The members will give CBM feedback and recommendations on regional strategies and plans. In addition, the committee will give advice on regional policies and concept development.

During the first meeting of the CBM Regional Advisory Committee EMR, the former President of the World Blind Union, Ms Kicki Nordström, elaborated on the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities "Governments will not freely ratify, implement or monitor the convention by themselves! We must urge them to do so! I therefore urge you to cooperate with all DPO's in your country (...), I think we could as an international movement, become extremely powerful! Challenge your State so that people with disabilities may experience full human rights, fundamental freedom and equal opportunities in your homeland and elsewhere. Always recall the slogan: "Nothing about us, without us"!"

The CBM Regional Director EMR, Ms Tanja Kern, explained "We have a lot to learn on our way to become a fully inclusive organisation. We are here to share, listen and learn from you. Let us celebrate diversity and work together for our common cause!"

The next meeting of the CBM Regional Advisory Committee EMR is planned to take place in November 2010.

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CBM Regional Office Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR)

Nibelungenstr.124, 64625 Bensheim, Germany

Email: emro@cbm.org