The Human Rights Commission has welcomed the island’s adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

However, it also advised that more must be done to stamp out discrimination against people with disabilities.

The treaty requires signatories to ensure that people with disabilities have the same rights as others, and sets out how to make jurisdictions disability inclusive.

The HRC said: “While this development should be celebrated, it is important to recognise that adverse impacts of a disability stem from the interaction between persons with impairments and social and environmental barriers that hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.

“In Bermuda, there are already commitments and obligations in place at the national level, which should result in those with disabilities being able to fully participate in society free from discrimination and the denial of their human rights.

“Despite these obligations and statutory requirements, this is not the reality for those with disabilities.”

According to the HRC, disability has been one of the “most frequently identified” grounds of discrimination in recent years.

Instances have included people being denied work, discriminatory employment practices and a lack of equal access to information, education, services and transport systems, as well as the existence of barriers to health, wellbeing and prosperity.

The HRC said: “The UNCRPD requires there to be a removal of barriers faced by persons with disabilities.

“However, again, it is society’s barriers that are the most pervasive and prevent those with disabilities from genuine inclusion — the ability to live independently, the ability to access public services and the ability to access healthcare.

“The extension of the UNCRPD gives Bermuda an opportunity to pause and evaluate the collective will of the country and identify gaps that exist.

“Bermuda can be an example in making our world disability inclusive.

“The extension of the UNCRPD to Bermuda will require active monitoring so gaps that exist locally are resolved and the rights and obligations enshrined within this treaty are fulfilled.

“The commission looks forward to working with the Government of Bermuda and other stakeholders to bring these international obligations to life for the people of Bermuda.”