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In the Caribbean, there are over 1 million persons living with some form of disability – this amounts to more than the population of certain countries in the sub-region.

Across the Caribbean, persons with disabilities face discrimination and exclusion. Social exclusion is caused by underlying systemic barriers that limit the meaningful participation of persons with disabilities in social, economic and political life. Persons with disabilities have lower outcomes in education, employment and health compared to other population groups.

For example, only 10 per cent of persons with disabilities in the Caribbean are employed. This leads to persons with disabilities more likely to live in poverty and experience higher rates of violence. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic further compounded this situation, deepening the challenges faced by persons with disabilities.

UNESCO works to dismantle negative stereotypes, eliminate barriers, and construct an inclusive environment grounded on human rights so that everyone can fully participate as equal members of society. Meaningful inclusion and participation of persons with disabilities is crucial for the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with the effort of leaving no one behind.

Advancing legislation for, with and by persons with disabilities in the Caribbean is also necessary to protect and promote human rights, in line with the international commitments made through the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. UNESCO harnesses its expertise to support Caribbean countries and territories to identify best policy practices to promote human rights and tackle intersecting forms of discrimination against people with disabilities.

Understanding and meaningfully including persons with disabilities in the Caribbean

In the effort to eliminate barriers and construct an inclusive environment grounded on human rights, UNESCO and the University of the West Indies Centre for Disability Studies have developed a series of trainings aimed at youth, youth-led organizations and media practitioners. These training sessions sensitized participants of the diverse needs and potentials of persons with disabilities and how to advocate for their meaningful inclusion in Caribbean society.

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