IN a landmark achievement for the Pacific, Faatino Utumapu of Samoa and Villarney Remengesau of Palau have been elected to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).
The election, on June 9 marks the first time two Pacific leaders have secured seats on the influential committee.
Utumapu, currently Co-Chair of the Pacific Disability Forum, and Remengesau, a former Co-Chair, were nominated by their respective governments.
Their election is seen as a significant milestone for disability rights advocacy in the region.
“This is an electrifying moment for the Pacific,” said Sainimili Tawake, CEO of the Pacific Disability Forum. “Their success highlights not only their leadership but the strength of our region’s collective commitment to advancing disability rights.”
The Pacific Disability Forum has extended congratulations to both leaders and recognised the support of regional partners, including the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, the Pacific Community (SPC), and the Governments of Australia and New Zealand.
The double election is being hailed as an affirmation of the Pacific’s growing influence on the global stage and its ongoing commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities worldwide.
