Two Pacific disability leaders have been elected to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, giving Samoa and Palau representation on the global human rights body.
Mataafa Faatino Utumapu of Samoa and Villaney Remengesau of Palau were elected during the 19th Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (COSP19) at United Nations Headquarters in New York.
Ms Utumapu becomes the first Samoan elected to the committee, while Palau's Permanent Mission to the United Nations said Ms Remengesau was the country's first candidate elected to a United Nations body.
Samoa secured 138 votes, placing second among the successful candidates.
The Pacific Disability Forum said the result was a major achievement for the region and reflected growing Pacific leadership in disability rights.
Pacific Disability Forum chief executive, Sainimili Tawake, welcomed the outcome.
"This is an electrifying moment for the Pacific," she said.
"The election of both Faatino and Villaney reflects not only their exceptional leadership, but also the strength of our collective commitment to advancing disability rights.
"It is a victory that resonates deeply across our region."
Ms Utumapu, nominated by the Government of Samoa, serves as co-chair of the Pacific Disability Forum and was recently elected Secretary of the International Disability Alliance.
The Samoan Government said her election recognised her work in disability-inclusive development, human rights, gender equality and the participation of persons with disabilities across the Pacific.
,Samoa's Minister for Women, Community and Social Development, Moefa'auouo Julius Ah Kui Tafunai, said the result was significant for Samoa and the wider region.
"This is a proud day for Samoa and a proud day for the Pacific," he said.
"Mataafa's election demonstrates that the voices, experiences and leadership of persons with disabilities from Small Island Developing States matter on the global stage.
"Her success reflects Samoa's commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind."
Ms Remengesau, nominated by the Government of Palau, is a former co-chair of the Pacific Disability Forum.
Palau's Permanent Mission to the United Nations said her election reflected decades of advocacy for the rights of persons with disabilities and inclusive governance at national, regional and international levels.
The mission also congratulated Ms Utumapu and said the elections marked the first time the Pacific region would be represented on the committee.
Ms Utumapu said the achievement belonged to the many people who had supported her work.
"This is a dream of a lifetime, and I accept this responsibility with deep gratitude and humility," she said.
"This recognition is not mine alone.
"It belongs to everyone who helped me find my voice, taught me to read and write, encouraged me to speak, and gave me opportunities to contribute."
Members of the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities serve in their personal capacity and do not represent governments or organisations.
The committee monitors implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and considers issues affecting the rights, dignity and inclusion of persons with disabilities.
The Pacific Disability Forum said the election of both women strengthened the region's voice in global work to uphold and advance disability rights.
