France Reiterates Commitment to Disability Rights at UN Conference
France emphasizes its commitment to disability rights at the UN, focusing on education, sports, technology, and humanitarian needs.
Key Points
- • France's commitment to disability rights is both legal and moral, as stated by Minister Charlotte Parmentier-Lecocq.
- • A new educational framework for inclusive education will be implemented by 2027.
- • The upcoming 2024 Paralympic Games will promote accessible sports.
- • Technological innovations, including AI, are central to enhancing disability access.
During the 18th Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in New York on June 10, 2025, French Minister Delegate for Labor and Inclusion, Charlotte Parmentier-Lecocq, affirmed France's dedication to advancing the rights of individuals with disabilities. She characterized this commitment as both a legal obligation and a moral imperative vital for sustainable societal development.
France's strategy is heavily focused on social inclusion, particularly through inclusive education, described as a cornerstone of its approach. Parmentier-Lecocq outlined plans to implement a new educational framework by 2027, designed to better integrate students with disabilities in schools through a collaborative model involving educators and specialists.
The preparation for the upcoming 2024 Paralympic Games highlights France's emphasis on accessible sports, which Parmentier-Lecocq argues is crucial for promoting autonomy and equality. She invoked Article 30 of the Convention which supports the right to engage in cultural and recreational activities.
Moreover, technological innovations, especially in artificial intelligence, are being explored as key tools to enhance accessibility for disabled persons. Parmentier-Lecocq recalled President Emmanuel Macron's comments at the AI Action Summit, underscoring the significance of involving disabled individuals in technological development processes.
Additionally, attention was drawn to the situation of persons with disabilities in humanitarian crises, where they disproportionately face obstacles in accessing essential health services. Parmentier-Lecocq reaffirmed France’s commitment to prioritize their needs in humanitarian assistance aligned with the national strategy for 2023-2027.