Significant Appointment for Disability Community

2 September 2011

The announced appointment today of Paul Gibson as the first Disability Human Rights Commissioner is a major development in the realising of human rights for disabled New Zealanders, says DPA, the national pan disability organisation and collective voice of disabled people.

Having someone with the lived experience of disability like Paul is critical for this role when advocating for our human rights, says Wendy Neilson DPA President. We know of Paul’s passion, skills and in-depth knowledge of the issues that affect the day to day lives of disabled people like accessibility, education, employment and community participation. Paul has been a Past President of DPA and so we have every confidence in his abilities in promoting positive community attitudes towards disabled people and in bringing about positive changes in improving the lives of disabled people.

DPA looks forward to working alongside Paul in monitoring our Government’s implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities that New Zealand ratified in 2008. DPA and I am sure the disability community wish Paul every success in his new role as Disability Human Rights Commissioner.

ENDS

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