Latest news with #disabilityrights
National Post
12 hours ago
- Health
- National Post
Liberals show no signs of limiting MAID despite 'extremely concerned' UN report
OTTAWA — Ottawa is giving no sign that it intends to amend existing legislation on medical assistance in dying — something a UN committee called for earlier this spring. Article content The federal minister responsible for disabilities spoke at a hearing of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities last week, about two months after the committee called on Canada to repeal the 2021 law that expanded eligibility for assisted dying to those whose deaths were not reasonably foreseeable. Article content Article content Article content Jobs and Families Minister Patty Hajdu gave a speech at the UN last Tuesday to mark 15 years since Canada ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Article content Article content 'It's about, for me, making relationships in this space and making sure that I have a really strong connection with the community, which I think is really important to be a good minister,' she said in an interview after the speech. The report said the committee is 'extremely concerned' about Canada's policy on track 2 medical assistance in dying. Article content '(T)he concept of 'choice' creates a false dichotomy, setting up the premise that if persons with disabilities are suffering, it is valid for (Canada) to enable their death without providing safeguards that guarantee the provision of support,' the report said. Article content In a written statement, a spokesperson for Hajdu said the government thanks the committee for its report. Article content Article content 'MAID is a deeply personal choice. We will make sure that the rights of persons with disabilities are upheld and protected,' said Jennifer Kozelj. Article content Article content Disability rights groups in Canada have argued the law singles out people with disabilities who are suffering because they're unable to access proper support. Article content Last September, Inclusion Canada was among a group of organizations that filed a Charter of Rights challenge against what's known as track 2 MAID. Article content 'It was crystal clear — the United Nations said they need to repeal track 2 medical assistance in dying,' she said. Article content Garnett Genuis, the Conservative employment critic, said he came away from the UN event worried about Canada's international reputation being harmed by what he called Ottawa's 'failures to uphold our obligations to protect the rights of people with living with disabilities.'
The Independent
18 hours ago
- Health
- The Independent
MP offered private ambulance to attend assisted dying vote
Northern Irish MP Sorcha Eastwood, a vocal opponent of the assisted dying bill, was initially unable to attend a critical Westminster vote due to a Covid -19 infection. An entrepreneur offered to transport Eastwood via private ambulance if she tested negative, and she later indicated she would travel if her tests allowed. The assisted dying bill faces a very close vote, with four Labour MPs announcing a switch from supporting to opposing the legislation shortly before the vote. Over 60 disability organizations and public polling raised significant concerns about the bill's impact on people with learning disabilities, citing fears of coercion and issues with informed consent. The prime minister rejected calls for a delay to the vote, and the bill's proponent warned that rejection could mean a decade-long wait for the issue to be debated again.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
Man had to sleep in wheelchair due to broken lift
A man who is quadriplegic said he had to sleep in his wheelchair overnight after a broken lift on a Jersey passenger ferry meant he had to travel on another vessel. James Bedding from Jersey, who has paralysis in four limbs, said he had been told by ferry company DFDS the lift would be fixed before he was due to travel at the end of May. He was moved to an overnight ferry due to delays in the repair work, and said it was "not suitable" and "too much inconvenience". A spokesperson for DFDS said they "understand the importance of accessible travel" and the repairs were expected to be completed by 31 July. The passenger lift on the Levante Jet ferry has been out of service since April. Mr Bedding said: "It was a huge inconvenience. "It was a bit of a disaster really. It's just not suitable for myself." He added: "I had to stay in my wheelchair overnight, so I had to sleep in my chair because it's just the hassle of getting a hoist into the cabin, to get out of my chair for that amount of time is not really feasible." Nick Bradford, who has mobility problems, also had issues with the broken lift. He said he was unaware the lift was out of order, and had to use the stairs "with difficulty". "What they should have done was told me when they booked it but they didn't," Mr Bradford said. "They knew it was out of order. "I would have actually changed the holiday until it was working but I couldn't now because it was too late." The manager of a Jersey hotel which caters for visitors with disabilities and mobility problems said some bookings have been cancelled due to the lift problems. Steve Martin from Maison des Landes said it was costing the hotel "thousands of pounds" in cancellations. "The majority of our guests come by boat, 75%," Mr Martin said. "It's a better experience going by the boat, rather than flying and people do like it. So we are at the mercy of the boat operators." In a statement, DFDS said the required parts needed were "bespoke and must be specifically manufactured for this specific vessel". A spokesperson added: "We understand the importance of accessible travel and are committed to supporting all our passengers. "Those who have registered accessibility needs with DFDS will be contacted directly and offered alternative travel arrangements." More news stories for Jersey Listen to the latest news for Jersey Follow BBC Jersey on X and Facebook. Send your story ideas to Two high-speed ferries revealed for Jersey DFDS
BBC News
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
BBC Audio Liz Carr
Actress and disability campaigner, Liz Carr, is probably best known for her role as forensic examiner, Clarissa Mullery, in the TV crime drama, Silent Witness. She's also done comedy, theatre and even written a musical, about what she calls 'assisted suicide'. Last year she fronted the award-winning BBC TV documentary, Better Off Dead, making the case against assisted dying. Born and raised in Merseyside, Liz Carr became seriously ill when she was seven and has used a wheelchair since she was eleven. Whilst studying law at Nottingham University, she got involved in politics, disabled rights and activism. As her public profile grew she became a powerful voice in the debates over assisted dying. As the assisted dying bill returns to the Commons this week, with MPs debating and voting on a series of contentious amendments, Mark Coles speaks to Liz's friends and colleagues about her acting, comedy and campaigning. Presenter: Mark Coles Producers: Sally Abrahams and Nik Sindle Production co-ordinator: Janet Staples Sound: Neil Churchill Editor: Nick Holland Credits: Silent Witness: 'Covenant part 2' (2017) BBC/Cipango Productions Audiovisuelles/Dir. David Drury Better Off Dead (2024); Burning Bright Productions/ BBC/Dir. James Routh Hardtalk – Stephen Sackur interviews Liz Carr Dirty Dancing (1987) Great American Films Limited Partnership/Vestron Pictures/Dir. Emile Ardolino
Zawya
11-06-2025
- General
- Zawya
Sharjah selected as first MENA host for 'Inclusion International's World Congress'
The congress unites 850 participants and international organisations from 115 countries in a shared commitment to inclusion Jameela Al Qasimi: The congress reflects our vision for inclusive communities and empowers people with disabilities in decision-making Sharjah: Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the emirate is set to host the Inclusion International's 18th World Congress from September 15 to 17, 2025. This momentous event will take place for the first time in the Middle East and North Africa, under the theme 'We are Inclusion.' The Congress is one of the most significant international gatherings for the rights of people with intellectual disabilities and their families. Organised by the Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services (SCHS) in collaboration with Inclusion International, and supported by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB) as the official media and logistics partner, the congress will convene at Expo Centre Sharjah. Registration is now open with discounted rates available until June 16, through the official website: The event is expected to welcome around 850 participants, including self-advocates, family members, professionals, and representatives of local, regional, and international organisations from over 115 countries. These attendees will come from across five global regions, spanning the Middle East, Europe, Africa, the Americas, and the Asia-Pacific region. An Inclusive and Sustainable Environment The Sharjah edition of the congress comes at a time where intellectual disability remains one of the most complex forms of disability, often involving challenges related to learning, communication, and independent living. Such events challenge these barriers by enabling this community, equipping families, and guiding institutions toward practices that ensure full societal participation. In its 2025 edition, the congress aims to empower individuals to advocate for themselves and take part in decision-making processes that affect their lives. Since its inception in 1963, the World Congress has protected the rights of people with intellectual disabilities by amplifying their voices, promoting self-advocacy, and advancing policies that create supportive and sustainable environments. Sharjah was chosen as host city due to its inclusive and accessible environment, strategic location, and advanced infrastructure that caters to the needs of people with disabilities. The choice also recognises the prominent role played by SCHS, a long-time member of Inclusion International, which has been a leading advocate for their rights for decades. Her Highness Sheikha Jameela bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Director General of SCHS, stated: 'We are proud that Sharjah is hosting this global event for the first time in the MENA region, reflecting the emirate's ongoing commitment to improving the lives of people with intellectual disabilities and supporting their families.' She noted that the World Congress embodies Sharjah's vision of building communities where people with intellectual disabilities have a real voice and influence in shaping policies and decisions. Her Highness added that the emirate has consistently prioritised turning inclusion into a practical reality, emphasising active involvement and collective responsibility throughout society. A Disability-Friendly City Sharjah has been officially named as an 'Accessible City for the Physically Disabled,' and is widely known for its highly developed infrastructure, inclusive public spaces, and proven capacity to host international events. These attributes, Sheikha Jameela noted, make it an ideal location for a congress of this scale and importance. She stressed that Sharjah has embraced a strong rights-based approach to empower people with intellectual disabilities by supporting their access to education, employment, healthcare, and decision-making. The emirate's inclusive infrastructure is designed to meet the highest standards of accessibility across public services. Sheikha Jameela said that the congress shows the progress Sharjah has made in this field, offering a global platform to exchange experiences, highlight best practices, and work collectively toward a more inclusive and equitable future. Critical Topics The three-day event will address critical topics, including inclusive education, community and family support, employment, humanitarian services, healthcare, deinstitutionalisation, legal decision-making, social protection, self-advocacy, and capacity building for organisations working in the disability sector. Thought leaders, government officials, policy experts, and advocates from around the world are expected to contribute, making the congress a strategic platform for shaping actionable recommendations that promote inclusion globally. Held every four years, the World Congress brings together self-advocates, families, and professionals to share ideas, success stories, and challenges, all of which contribute to reinforcing the global identity and collective momentum of the inclusion movement. As part of its call to action, SCHS is inviting governments, institutions, educators, healthcare providers, and social organisations to participate in this event and help build environments where dignity, inclusion, and equal opportunity are upheld for all.
