The United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) have been trusted partners of the Essl Foundation and the Zero Project for more than a decade, providing not only a venue for the Zero Project Conference but also invaluable support in creating this truly global meeting place for disability innovation.
The Memorandum of Understanding signed by Ghada Waly and Martin Essl aims to further reinforce this partnership. It also seek to improve the accessibility of UNOV/UNODC events and information, while increasing support for internships and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.
Martin Essl, Founder and Initiator of the Essl Foundation, said:
“For the past 11 years, the Zero Project Conference has been hosted at the United Nations Office at Vienna, serving as a platform for sharing innovative solutions for disability inclusion. This newly strengthened partnership with UNOV/UNODC builds on that legacy, leveraging the expertise of the global Zero Project Network and more than 1,000 good practices and policies identified through our research.”
Ghada Waly further highlighted the importance of improved data collection and innovative approaches to mainstream disability rights and protection in crime prevention and criminal justice responses:
“Effective responses to drug and crime challenges need to take all members of society into account. There is clear evidence that people with disabilities are more likely to suffer from drug use disorders. People with disabilities are disproportionately victimized by criminals, and when they come into contact with criminal justice systems, their needs are too often overlooked. We can and must do better.”
The Zero Project extends its sincere gratitude to Ghada Waly and the UNOV/UNODC staff for their continuous support and cooperation.
Photo Credits: UNIS Vienna