Tonga has welcomed a historic milestone for the Pacific region at the opening of the 19th Session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (COSP19), following the election of representatives from Samoa and Palau to the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
The achievement marks the first time Pacific Island countries have secured representation on the Committee, strengthening Pacific leadership within the international human rights system and amplifying regional voices in global disability advocacy.
Held at United Nations Headquarters in New York, COSP19 is convened under the theme, “CRPD at 20: Celebrating and consolidating achievements and shaping the next phase of implementation in a changing world.” The conference commemorates the 20th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and brings together governments, United Nations entities, civil society organizations and organizations of persons with disabilities from around the world.
Tonga’s delegation is led by Mrs. Akanesi Polotu Fakafanua Paunga, CEO Ministry of Internal Affairs. The delegation also includes H.E. Mr. Viliami Vaʻinga Tōnē, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Tonga to the United Nations, and Mr. Ulise Pilima Misa, Director of the Lavameʻa Taʻeʻiloa Disabled People Association Inc., representing Tongan civil society.
During the opening session, delegates heard remarks from United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and other senior representatives, who reflected on progress made since the adoption of the CRPD while highlighting the need to strengthen accessibility, social protection, independent living, political participation, and protection from violence and discrimination for persons with disabilities.
On the sidelines of the conference, Ulise Misa participated in the side event, “Peer-to-peer support for strengthening national Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs),” co-hosted by the Pacific Disability Forum, the International Disability Alliance, and the Permanent Missions of Australia and New Zealand.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Misa underscored the importance of cooperation, partnerships and peer learning in strengthening organizations of persons with disabilities and advancing disability-inclusive development across Tonga and the Pacific.
The Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of Tonga to the United Nations said Tonga's participation in COSP19 reflects the Kingdom’s ongoing commitment to promoting the rights, dignity, inclusion and empowerment of persons with disabilities through close collaboration between government, civil society and persons with disabilities themselves.
The Tongan delegation will continue its engagement throughout the conference, including participation in the General Debate, side events and consultations with regional and international partners.
