PRESS RELEASE: Brussels, 19 April 2010

Some high-level speakers of world organizations have recently confirmed their presence at the World Congress of Inclusion International. Among them is Jan Jarab of the Directorate General for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities of the European Commission and Renato Opertti from UNESCO. The World Congress will take place in Berlin, Germany in June. So far 1,855 participants from more than 60 countries have registered.

With their presence at the World Congress the speakers of world organizations want to define and express their commitment to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). Jan Jarab, Regional Representative of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, for instance, will conduct a focus session as does Renato Opertti of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Participants will have the chance to ask their questions and get involved in discussions. There will also be a discussion round with different world organizations concerning their obligations toward the UNCRPD.

The World Congress with the slogan “Transforming Global Rights into Action” will provide a unique opportunity for people with disabilities and their families as well as professionals to exchange experiences and ideas. The goal is to make the rights of the UN Convention become reality all over the world.

For more information about the congress, visit the website:
www.inclusion2010.de

You can already post questions about the congress and connect with other participants through discussion forums in English, German, Spanish and French on the World Congress Event Page on Facebook. To access the page, please click here

About the organisers:

The World Congress of Inclusion International 2010 is organised by:

Inclusion International (II) is a global federation of family-based organizations advocating for human rights of people with intellectual disabilities worldwide. It represents over 200 member federations in 115 countries throughout five regions: Middle East and North Africa, Europe, Africa and the Indian Ocean, the Americas, and Asia Pacific.

Inclusion Europe (IE) is the European voice and representation of over 60 member organizations of people with intellectual disabilities and their families. Founded in 1988, Inclusion Europe has an almost 20-year track record of successful operation and defending the rights of its constituency.

Lebenshilfe is a registered, non-profit organisation devoting itself entirely to people with intellectual disabilities and their families throughout Germany. It is politically and denominationally independent.

For more information, please contact:

Silvana Enculescu
Communications Officer
Inclusion Europe
http://www.inclusion-europe.eu/

Tel: +32 2 502 28 15
Fax: +32 2 502 80 10
E-mail: s.enculescu@inclusion-europe.org