In this video clip, WFD President Colin Allen asks Dr Lovászy from Hungary how he feels about being elected to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) at the UN Headquarters in New York. Dr Lovászy states that he is proud to be elected after working hard during the election campaign, but recognises that his role is undoubtedly a big challenge. He goes on to say, that with other people’s support, he plans to ensure the full implementation of the UNCRPD and thanks those who have supported him in his candidacy.

The WFD President asks Dr Lovászy what his first priorities will be during his term, which will begin in January 2013 and last until December 2015. He responds that until now, members of the UNCRPD Committee have been unaware of deaf and hard of hearing people’s rights and, therefore, believes that it is important to educate Committee members about deaf and hard of hearing people’s rights. Equally, he acknowledges that the Committee can teach him much about the needs of other people with disabilities.

The WFD announces its delight with Dr Lovászy’s election and congratulates him in his new appointment as the first hard of hearing person on the UNCRPD and deaf and hard of hearing people across the world looks forward to watching his progress in leading the promotion of deaf and hard of hearing people’s rights.