58th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council
Interactive Debate on the rights of persons with disabilities
Rights of persons with disabilities: digital and assistive technologies, countering cyberbullying, and digital inclusion
Statement delivered by H.E. Ambassador Riia Salsa-Audiffren
on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic States: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden
10 March 2025
Mr President,
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic States.
We thank the panelists for their highly relevant remarks and insights. We also thank the high Commissioner for his latest report on persons with disabilities and digital technologies and devices.
Well-designed e-governance contributes to good governance and improves lives by alleviating the burden on vulnerable individuals. Robust regulation is essential to preventing exclusion, discrimination, and privacy violations.
Actions to drive the digital inclusion of persons with disabilities must be informed by an understanding of local issues and contexts, ensuring that the perspectives and needs of all marginalized groups – from data protection measures to product design and accessibility – are taken into account to guarantee their full and equal participation in society. This helps to prevent and reduce the digital gap, inequality, and discrimination from widening.
Another important topic discussed today is cyberbullying. We agree that initiatives to counter cyberbullying require a holistic approach that addresses discrimination against persons with disabilities in both online and offline manifestations. How could this Council bring its contribution in this respect?
I thank you!