Pacific delegates attending the 19th Session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (COSP19) have celebrated the election of two Pacific women to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

Villarney Remengesau of Palau and Faatino Utumapu of Samoa secured seats on the committee following elections held on June 9, marking a significant achievement for the Pacific region in the global disability rights arena.

Representatives from Australia, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Palau, Samoa, Solomon Islands and Tonga joined officials from the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat and the Pacific Disability Forum in acknowledging the milestone.

The delegation also thanked Pacific Permanent Missions to the United Nations for their support throughout the election process.

Pacific Disability Forum Chief Executive Officer Sainimili Tawake said the outcome had generated renewed enthusiasm among Pacific delegates and strengthened the region’s commitment to advancing disability inclusion and human rights.

Tawake said discussions are already underway on ways the Pacific can continue supporting Remengesau and Utumapu as they take on their new responsibilities.

While both members will serve in their individual capacities rather than representing any country or organisation, regional stakeholders say their appointments highlight the growing influence of Pacific voices in international disability advocacy.

The Pacific delegation described the election as a historic moment and reaffirmed its commitment to working together to strengthen implementation of the CRPD and promote the rights, dignity and inclusion of persons with disabilities across the region.