Inclusion Europe mourns the death of Robert Martin, who was a disability rights champion, and pioneer of self-advocacy. He was the first CRPD Committee member with intellectual disability.
Robert Martin spent more than 40 years advocating for disability rights in New Zealand and internationally.
“He was an amazing leader and representative for people with learning disability and has been recognised around the world for his work towards disability rights in particular deinstitutionalisation, living in the community and supported decision making,” People First New Zealand said.
“I had the pleasure of meeting Robert Martin several times. He was a great inspiration and role model for many of us,” said László Bercse, chair of the European Platform of Self-Advocates, and vice-president of Inclusion Europe. “He always encouraged persons with intellectual disabilities to speak up for ourselves. As a member of the CRPD Committee, he was very happy and empowering to consult self-advocates. He will be greatly missed in our movement, but his work and thoughts remain with us. I express my sincere condolences to his family.”
“The global disability movement is driven by the brave people who step up and share their experiences and tell their story,” said Jyrki Pinomaa, president of Inclusion Europe. “Robert Martin was such brave person. We are sad that he is gone. And we are very grateful for Robert Martin’s work, which contributed to the work of every person and organisation defending rights of people with intellectual disabilities and their families.”
Early life
Robert Martin was born in Whanganui, New Zealand. As a baby he was sent to Kimberley Mental Deficiency Colony (later renamed the Kimberley Centre).
Apart from brief periods living with his family and fostering, Martin spent his childhood in institutions.
In his biography, Martin describes inhumane conditions and abuse in these institutions, which he would later campaign to close.
In 1972, Robert Martin was released from care.
Self-advocacy
Robert Martin started to be involved in self-advocacy, eventually contributing to establishing People First NZ as an independent organisation in 2003.
“He was highly respected by the members and staff of People First and led by example by encouraging members to speak up about their rights, demand action and take up leadership roles.”
International work
Robert Martin made history when he became the first person with an intellectual disability elected to serve on the UN CRPD Committee in 2016. So far, he is also the only person with intellectual disabilities to have served on the Committee.
Robert Martin was also involved in Inclusion International’s leadership. He served as self-advocate at Inclusion International’s governing Council, representing Asia-Pacific.
In 2020, Robert Martin was re-elected for another 4-year term on the CRPD Committee. At the time of his death, Robert was still active in his role on the Committee.
“He played an important role in contributing to the UN CRPD, advocating passionately at the United Nations to ensure the rights of persons with intellectual disabilities were respected,” said Inclusion International.
“Speak up about things important to you”
What Robert Martin said about independent living in his message for Europe in Action 2019 conference:
“Independent living is about your friendships. It’s about the things you want to do in life, what you want to achieve.
“It’s also about making choices. It’s about having your rights, and everybody has the same rights.
“You need to speak out about the things that are important to you!”
The death of Robert Martin is great loss to self-advocacy movement and the disability rights community.
Inclusion Europe is greatful for Robert Martin’s work We express our condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues.
Robert Martin and Maureen Piggot, Inclusion Europe president at the time, during CRPD Committee session in Geneva, August 2017.
Maureen Piggot, former president of Inclusion Europe:
“I feel great sadness at the loss of an exceptional advocate, leader and longtime colleague. Robert broke through institutional barriers at home in New Zealand, in every country he visited, and at the United Nations. He challenged segregation a discrimination wherever he encountered them. His personal story, his lifelong advocacy work and his contribution to the CRPD Committee will have lasting impact. I am grateful to have experienced his warmth, humour, and willingness to support others in the struggle for rights. Robert raised the bar on inclusion. Thank you, Robert.”
Nagase Osamu, Secretary General of Inclusion International.” “Robert Martin has been my inspiration. His determination to make change has made a difference in New Zealand and around the world.”