A grading report from the United Nations will be issued to show how well Bermuda protects residents with different abilities, the Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors revealed today.

Tinée Furbert confirmed that the Government will receive feedback from the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities on its accessibility efforts.

She said that these are to match an incoming Disability Act designed to “give legislative teeth” to the safeguarding of accessibility rights.

Ms Furbert said: “It is not only a commitment from the Ministry of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, but a commitment from every Bermudian who believes in a society where diversity is our strength and belonging is our standard.”

The minister was speaking after Bermuda became the first British Overseas Territory to have the convention extended to it by the British Government.

During a ceremony today to celebrate the official extension, she said it was a “truly historic moment for Bermuda”.

Ms Furbert explained that the UN convention will require Bermuda to produce reports on its efforts every three years for a group to review.

She did not know when the first assessment summary would be delivered.

Ms Furbert said that the extended convention would also help the Government to fulfil a 2020 Throne Speech promise to advance the rights of disabled Bermudians.

She explained that the convention will help “our commitment to securing the rights, dignity and full participation of our disabled community”.

Ms Furbert added: “The significance of this achievement cannot be overstated.

“This extension signifies that each disabled person in Bermuda now has strengthened protections, securing their rights to civil, cultural, economic, political and social rights, enjoying the same freedoms as all of our other members in society.”

She said that her ministry’s next goal would include creating easier pathways to education, employment, accessibility and independent living.

Ms Furbert added that each area represented “a gateway to greater independence and fulfilment”.

She said: “We are here to continue this work, not only through policies, but with purposeful action and accountability.”

The minister assured Bermudians with disabilities: “I have always been your advocate”.

Ms Furbert said: “To ensure that your rights are upheld, this extension provides a foundation, and together we will build upon it.

“It is my privilege to serve as minister responsible for persons with disabilities, and I pledge to be relentless in my actions, ensuring Bermuda becomes a place where everyone, regardless of ability, has a place.

“I can pass a law, but until you change society’s attitudes, that law won’t mean much.”