Italian Association Amici di Raoul Follereau (AIFO)

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Italy’s commitment to article 32 of the UN Convention on the rights of persons with disabilities
International workshop
October 21 2011, Bellaria, Italy
Bellaria Convention Centre • Via Lungofiume Uso, 1 • 47814 Bellaria-Igea marina 

On October 21, 2011, the Italian Network on Disability and Development – RIDS – held a workshop on Italy’s commitment on the implementation of the  UN Convention on the rights of persons with disabilities in the field of Development Cooperation.

Workshop invitation (PDF)

Workshop programme (PDF)

Brief report about the meeting by IDDC (PDF)

Focus of the workshop was on the comparison of good practices  with various subjects involved in development cooperation activities in order to provide instruments and information on the convention and the possibility of mainstreaming it in development programs. Particular emphasis was given to the analysis of related instruments produced by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, by the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the European Union.

Participation to the workshop included government officials and civil society: Ministries, Local authorities, DPOs, NGOs, Federations and Universities.

This initiative was part of the EU co-funded project titled “Making Development Inclusive” implemented by AIFO in partnership with other 11 European NGOs grouped in the International Disability and Development Consortium – IDDC, which actively contributed to the discussion with inputs coming from their international field experience.

The workshop took place within AIFO’s  XXIII International Conference “Experiences of Hope”, that took place in Bellaria, October 21-23, to celebrate its 50 years anniversary. The theme of the International Conference had the twofold purpose to give voice and importance to persons who, out of a difficult and unease situation, found the necessary strength and instruments to enhance their lives. 

AIFO; DPI Italia, EducAid and Fish have recently set up the Italian Network on Disability and Development - RIDS - expressing common interests and collaboration finalized to the implementation of national and international initiatives and events in the field of development cooperation and disability. RIDS’ training, information and consultancy activities in the field of protection and promotion of human rights act with the framework defined by UN Convention on the rights of persons with disabilities,  fully implementing articles 11 and 31 so that the development cooperation system pays the due attention to disability with an inclusive approach.

Being aware that CRPD’s real sustainability will be possible only when the voices of persons with disabilities and their organizations will be strong and competent, able to dialogue with civil society as well as public and private institutions, makes so that empowerment is RIDS’ inspirational principle.

The network is made up by well established Italian associations that have a capillary presentce on the national territory and are fully involved in the definitions of policies and programs on disability and development cooperation at national and international level.

AIFO (Associazione Italiana Amici di Raoul Follereau), DPI Italia (Disabled Peoples’ International – Italia), EducAid and Fish (Federazione Italiana Superamento Handicap) are the founding members gathered with the idea to create a synergy among respective competencies and abilities, building a network based on the exchange of appropriate praxis, experiences and expertises; on the development of publications,  instruments, projects and methodologies aiming at the full and effective implementation of the UN CRPD in all countries of the world.

Workshop invitation (PDF)

Workshop programme (PDF)