To conclude our initial remarks, article 33 is important. Part of what it requires is for civil society organizations like ours to be more involved in the development of policies and programs. We believe that involvement needs to start not at the middle of the road or the end of the road, but when the foot of government or bureaucrats first touches that road. In other words, we need to be more involved.
As Michael has suggested, many reports have conducted useful research and provided many recommendations to advance our equality. It's now time that more action be taken to actually use the convention to bring about greater equality for all citizens with disabilities.
Thank you for this opportunity to make some opening remarks, and we'll be happy to dialogue with you.