On October 8, 2026, the Tenth Meeting of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Council of Ministers: Human and Social Development (COM: HSD), held in collaboration with Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, formally endorsed a groundbreaking regional assessment on the situation of children and young people with disabilities. It marks a significant milestone in the Caribbean's commitment to advancing disability inclusion and ensuring that no child is left behind.
The endorsement was granted during the 10th Meeting of the OECS COM: HSD held at the Holiday Inn Express and Suites, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, under the theme "Advancing Social Protection in the OECS: Policy, Practice and Learning". Ministers with responsibility for social development in the various OECS Member States reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening evidence-based policies and programmes that improve outcomes for children and young people with disabilities.
The assessment, led by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in partnership with the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), governments, organisations of persons with disabilities, civil society organisations, academia, and development partners, is the first initiative globally to apply a Cradle-to-Career systems lens to understanding the experiences of children and young people with disabilities.
The study will cover Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago. It will examine how health, education, social protection, child protection, community services, and employment systems work together to support children and young people with disabilities from birth through adulthood.
To provide deeper insights, Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago have been selected for intensive field missions and stakeholder consultations. These engagements will bring together children and young people with disabilities, caregivers, governments, service providers, organisations of persons with disabilities, academia, and development partners to identify barriers, document good practices, and develop practical recommendations for more inclusive systems.
Maryam Abdu, UNICEF Representative a.i. highlighted the significance of the assessment in strengthening inclusive policies and services for young children and young people with disabilities. Emphasising the importance of evidence-based action and lived experiences, she stated:
"This landmark assessment provides a unique opportunity to understand how systems can better support children and young people with disabilities at every stage of life and ensure that no one is left behind. By generating evidence and amplifying lived experiences, we can strengthen policies and services that empower every child to learn, thrive, and reach their full potential."
His Excellency Dr Didacus Jules, Director General of the OECS, welcomed the endorsement and described the initiative as a defining moment for the region. Highlighting the importance of strong partnerships, he stated:
"This assessment demonstrates the Caribbean's determination to place inclusion at the heart of development. Through strong partnerships and evidence-driven action, we have an opportunity to transform systems so that every child and young person with a disability can participate fully and contribute meaningfully to society."
The Honourable Shevern John, Minister of Social Welfare, Community Empowerment, Ecclesiastical Affairs and National Heritage, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Chair of the COM: HSD, underscored the significance of the Council's decision. She stated:
"By endorsing this assessment, COM: HSD is reaffirming the Caribbean's commitment to advancing the rights, dignity, and inclusion of children and young people with disabilities. As the first study globally to adopt a Cradle-to-Career approach, it will provide critical evidence to strengthen policies, services, and investments that ensure every child can thrive and realise their full potential."
The assessment is expected to generate the most comprehensive regional evidence base to date on disability inclusion, identify key gaps and opportunities across sectors, strengthen regional partnerships, and inform a roadmap for more inclusive policies, programmes, and investments across the Caribbean. As the world's first disability assessment using a Cradle-to-Career systems approach, the initiative positions the Caribbean as a global leader in disability-inclusive development. It is expected to generate lessons that will inform policy and practice well beyond the region.
The assessment also aligns with the OECS' ongoing commitment to advancing children's rights and inclusive, equitable and sustainable development through Strategic Priority 5: Advance Equity and Inclusion to reduce disparities in health, education and social outcomes. It follows the August 2026 launch of the OECS Regional Child Policy and Strategic Plan 2026-2032 and reinforces regional efforts to ensure that every child, including children and young people with disabilities, is protected, included and empowered to reach their full potential.
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