Bermuda has become the first British Overseas Territory to which the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is extended by the British Government, it was announced yesterday.

A statement from the Government said that the move marked “a significant milestone” in the island’s path towards a more inclusive society for disabled people.

It added: “The extension of the UN Disability Convention will protect the rights of over 3,000 disabled people living in Bermuda.”

The announcement was made by Sir Stephen Timms, Britain’s Minister for Social Security and Disability.

The statement explained: “All state parties to the UNCRPD agree to tackling barriers which prevent disabled people from participating in society on an equal basis with others.

“The UNCRPD sets out specific rights which states are required to uphold, such as the right to health, education, living independently and participating in sports and other cultural and leisure activities.

“The UNCRPD committee generally reviews each state every four years and issues recommendations for improvement.

“The extension is one example of the Government’s continuing commitment to the UNCRPD and is in line with a previous recommendation from the UN committee that the UK strengthens its efforts to extend the UNCRPD to the British Overseas Territories.”

Sir Stephen said: “This extension is a major step forward in the UK’s commitment to the UNCRPD and championing the rights of disabled people.

“The Government is determined to tackle barriers and boost opportunities for every disabled person.

“We will work with disabled people and their representative organisations to build a more equitable and inclusive future for all.”

Tinée Furbert, Bermuda’s Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, added: “As the minister responsible for persons with disabilities, I am proud to announce that the extension of the UNCRPD to Bermuda marks an historic moment.

“This achievement solidifies our commitment to ensuring that everyone, regardless of their disability, is valued and respected.

“For the first time, the UK has extended the UNCRPD to an Overseas Territory, a testament to the progress we are making.

“By adopting the UNCRPD, Bermuda fulfils a 2020 Throne Speech initiative and reaffirms our dedication to upholding the fundamental human rights and freedoms of all individuals.”

She added: “This milestone is a celebration of our collective efforts and a reminder that our work is far from complete.

“We must continue to address critical areas such as education, diversity, inclusivity, accessibility and removing barriers across all sectors of our society.

“The Government of Bermuda remains steadfast in collaborating with persons with disabilities to advance equal opportunities.

“We believe that a world of equality is not just a dream but a tangible reality that we can achieve.

“It requires decisive leadership, adequate resources and a collective decision-making process.

“We are building the ramps to a more inclusive and equitable world because it is not only possible — it is our responsibility."

Anneliese Dodds, Britain’s Minister for Development and Minister for Women and Equalities, said she was proud of her government’s “commitment to protecting and promoting disabled people’s rights across the UK and around the world”.

She added: “This announcement is just the beginning.

“We will do what’s necessary to ensure that disabled people, no matter their background, have the support, resources and opportunities to succeed.”

The statement said that extending the UNCRPD to Bermuda would also support the island’s tourism industry by improving accessibility to a number of recreational, leisure and sporting activities.

WindReach, a charity that offers educational and therapeutic programmes to people with support needs, welcomed the move.

A representative said: “WindReach works closely with our participants and families and fully appreciate the magnitude of such a commitment.

“The extension of the UN’s disability convention to Bermuda marks a pivotal step in creating pathways where there have been societal barriers.

“This move will allow individuals with support needs to have an enriched quality of life and create a more equitable society.”