Day 68 - ODT - Obituary: tireless advocate for disabled rights knew truth he spoke

Obituary: tireless advocate for disabled rights knew truth he spoke

By: RNZ and Mike Houlahan

ODT: Sunday, 26 May 2024

SIR ROBERT MARTIN 

Disability advocate

Lived experience is a popular phrase these days, but disability rights advocate Sir Robert Martin exemplified the phrase long before it became fashionable.

A tireless campaigner for the rights of the disabled, he in no way let his own intellectual disability stand in the way of achieving what he wanted to achieve.

When Sir Robert George Martin was born in Whanganui in 1957, a difficult birth left him with a brain injury.

Few would have then expected that the young boy would end up a knight of the realm and a United Nations representative, but Sir Robert was no ordinary person.

His childhood was mostly unhappy, and much of it was spent in institutions as a ward of the state. In John McRae’s Becoming a Person: the biography of Robert Martin he described in disturbing detail the inhumane conditions he lived in and the ongoing abuse in places such as Lake Alice.

It was stark testimony which he would later repeat when testifying at the Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquiry — a forum which he had advocated for decades to be set up.

In 1972, Sir Robert was released from care and returned to Whanganui, before he left home to work in the care of IHC New Zealand.

Sir Robert soon became more than an employee. He began to educate himself and started to assert himself as an advocate for others with learning disabilities. He led protests and became a rallying figure for campaigns to recognise and protect the rights of the disabled.

IHC chief executive Ralph Jones said Sir Robert’s contribution to the community was unequalled.

"I have known Sir Robert for many years and his achievements were remarkable. We served together for many years on the Council of Inclusion International.

"He made a real difference to the lives of people with disabilities both in New Zealand and overseas. It's an incredible legacy."

Robert Martin after being appointed to a United Nations Committee for the Rights of Persons with...

Robert Martin after being appointed to a United Nations Committee for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Photo: RNZ

In the mid-1990s Sir Robert became a travelling advocate for IHC. He also was a key member of international group Inclusion International.

He became a council member and 2003 was named Inclusion International's representative on the United Nations Ad Hoc Committee "to consider proposals for a comprehensive and integral international convention to promote and protect the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities".

Strikingly, Sir Robert was the only person with a learning disability involved in the proceedings.

People First NZ national committee chairman Ronnie Sione said Sir Robert was one of the first members of the organisation and led by example.

"People First members and people with learning disability in New Zealand and around the world have sadly lost their leader."

Sir Robert was a lifetime member and told RNZ in 2019 he wanted a leader that looked and sounded like him, and when there was not one, he decided to fill the gap.

"That's why I fought tooth and nail for the likes of People First, the only organisation in New Zealand that speaks for, and on behalf of people with learning disabilities."

In 2016, Sir Robert was the first person with a learning disability elected on to a United Nations treaty body, the Committee for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. He was elected to a second term in 2020.

Becoming A Person was published in 2014, and around that time his life story was also told in a TV documentary series.

In 2008, he became a Member of the NZ Order of Merit and in 2020 a Knight Companion of the NZ Order of Merit for services to people with disabilities.

At the time, Sir Robert said he was both proud and humbled to receive a knighthood for services to people with disabilities.

Sir Robert Martin died on April 30, aged 67. — RNZ and Mike Houlahan

Day 47 - The D*List - A tribute to Sir Robert Martin: The most famous New Zealander most New Zealanders didn’t know about

A tribute to Sir Robert Martin: The most famous New Zealander most New Zealanders didn’t know about

By: Alexia Black

The D* List: Monday 6 May 2024

Sir Robert spent his life working to improve the lives of disabled people, says his friend Alexia Black, now we must carry that torch for him.

The way Sir Robert came into the world – through a traumatic birth – set his life on a path that seemed pre-destined. Much has been written about Sir Robert Martin's early years in institutions, foster houses (he wouldn’t call them homes) and then his journey to become the international giant of disability rights he is today. I’m not going to rehash those stories. They aren’t mine to tell, and Sir Robert told them over and over and over again (breaking his heart a little more each time), in the hopes it would stop anyone else having to go through what he did.

You can find film footage of him online easily enough – please take the time to do so and learn more about not only his story but the stories of the people who never made the limelight.

Alexia and Robert pictured outside in the snow outside at the UN; they are wearing hooded jackets and smile together at the camera.

Since his passing, I’ve spoken to so many people who are hurting from their loss. One thing is consistent: everyone felt he was their close, personal friend. There is a sense of pride in people who knew him – whether through one meeting or a lifetime of shared memories. To be able to do that – make everyone feel like they were his person – what a gift.

Wherever he went, Sir Robert left a deep and lasting impression on people – whether through his powerful words that could silence a room, his out the gate sense of humour that left you in stitches or his incredible knowledge of sports, music or the animal kingdom. He always wanted to meet Sir David Attenborough, he was so proud that he was a Sir like Sir David. I wish we could’ve made that happen.

We would joke that after he finished his term on the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Rob should be a founding member of a new international committee, on the Rights of Animals. It was a joke, but actually, he would’ve put the same heart and soul into that role that he did for his UNCRPD one if he’d had the chance.

The most incredible times I saw Rob connect with people, was when he met with disabled people. Out of a room full of statesmen, dignitaries and paparazzi (who all wanted to have a photo with him), he would make a direct beeline for the disabled people speaking at the UN, or who had travelled to the Spanish Parliament, or who were working in one of the airports we were travelling through, or who we saw on the street. He would see people. He would genuinely ask them about themselves; he would listen and he would carry them with him.

I am blessed to have a million little memories of Sir Robert – from the devastating to the hilarious, which I will treasure forever. And I’m glad everyone else does too. It’s in this way that he will be remembered. He truly gave his life for this work and now we have to carry that torch for him. In his name, let’s continue the fight to close institutions – large and small.

[PHOTO]

Let’s keep pushing for people to be able to choose where and with whom they live. Let’s make a world where people with learning disability can get married if they want to, have and be assisted to keep their children with them, not be sterilised without consent, know what it is like to grow up in a loving family and have their own possessions that bring them joy. Go to school, be listened to when they need healthcare or mental health support, have meaningful jobs, listen to music they love, play Yu-Gi-Oh to their heart’s content and all the sport they want (only Rob would be at the UN and just see a perfect cricket pitch!)

These were his passions, and in this way, we can truly honour him.

I don’t generally put people on pedestals – it’s unfair and doesn’t let people mess up. But Rob, you were the best of us. Flaws and all. We won’t forget you, mate. You changed our worlds, and the world. You can rest now. Hope you’re somewhere playing footie and having a nice scotch whiskey. Love you, my friend. 'Till we meet again.

Last Updated 13/05/2024

RESOURCES

• Article in Whanganui Herald

• Robert Martin on YouTube

Day 42 - RNZ - Disability rights advocate Sir Robert Martin dies

Disability rights advocate Sir Robert Martin dies

RNZ: May 1, 2024 7:26pm

Sir Robert Martin was made a knight companion in the 2020 New Year's Honours list.

Photo: Supplied / Creative Commons

IHC has confirmed the death of disability rights advocate Sir Robert Martin KNZM, in Whanganui.

In 2008, he became a Member of the NZ Order of Merit and in 2020 a Knight Companion of the NZ Order of Merit for services to people with disabilities.

Sir Robert had told RNZ he was both proud and humbled to receive a knighthood for services to people with disabilities.

He was the first New Zealander with an intellectual disability to be knighted and had served on the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities since 2017. His election was historical with him being the first person with a learning disability elected to the United Nations Treaty Body.

Sir Robert also held roles with Inclusion International and was national self advocacy advisor and trainer for IHC New Zealand between 1991 and 2010.

His early years were spent in institutional care.

Sir Robert is survived by his wife Lynda.

In a statement, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston paid tribute to Sir Robert, saying New Zealand had lost a true legend.

"Our government's thoughts are with his wife Lynda, family and community, those he has worked with, the disability community in New Zealand, and the disability community internationally," Upston said.

"As the new Minister for Disability Issues, I did not have the chance to work with Sir Robert, but I am familiar with his advocacy for disability rights and that former ministers worked to support his election to the United Nations Committee. It was a proud moment for New Zealand when he was elected to this important role. I join former ministers in offering condolences," she said.

"Many disabled people in New Zealand and internationally are living better lives because of Sir Robert's achievements and commitment, and they will be mourning his passing while celebrating his legacy."

IHC chief executive Ralph Jones said his contribution to the community was unequalled.

"I have known Sir Robert for many years and his achievements were remarkable. We served together for many years on the Council of Inclusion International.

"He made a real difference to the lives of people with disabilities both in New Zealand and overseas. It's an incredible legacy."

In a post to Facebook, People First New Zealand Ngā Tāngata Tuatahi said Sir Robert's legacy would continue with his advocacy for disability rights and deinstitutionalisation, nationally and internationally.

"We know Sir Robert's passing will come as a shock to many, especially to our People First members. During this time, it is important to share your grief and feelings with your family, friends and support networks. Our Regional Coordinators are also here if you need someone to talk to."

Sir Robert was also noted for his work towards people with disabilities living in the community and supported decision making.

People First NZ national committee chairperson Ronnie Sione said Sir Robert was one of the first members of the organisation and led by example.

"People First members and people with learning disability in New Zealand and around the world have sadly lost their leader."

Sir Robert was a lifetime member and told RNZ in 2019 he wanted a leader that looked and sounded like him, and when there was not one, he decided to fill the gap.

"That's why I fought tooth and nail for the likes of People First, the only organisation in New Zealand that speaks for, and on behalf of people with learning disabilities."

YES Disability Resource Centre said on Facebook Sir Robert was "an incredible advocate, mentor and role model to many".

"We will be forever grateful and always remember his generosity of time and sharing of his story to change the world for others.

"Our love and prayers to his family."

Disability Rights Commissioner Prudence Walker said Sir Robert devoted his life to disability rights after living in institutions in his younger years, and spoke of his childhood experiences while giving evidence in the abuse in care inquiry.

"Sir Robert played a critical role in Aotearoa and internationally in upholding disabled people's right to be part of the community, and to contribute to society," Walker said.

"Kei tēnā, kei tēnā, kei tēnā anō tōna ake āhua, tōna ake mauri, tōna ake mana.

"Each and every one has their own uniqueness, life essence and presence."

His statement to the inquiry stated: "From my own experience I know that institutions places of neglect and abuse. They also mean people are denied their human rights and basically denied a proper life.

"The right to education and the right to participate, the right to live free of violence, the right to life are all things at risk in an institution."

The commission said Sir Robert made vital in-roads in helping children with disabilities in institutions around the world through influencing countries to review their policies and practice.

"Sir Robert raised the profile of Easy Read and Plain Language as important formats for making information available within the United Nations (UN) and contributed to enhancing accessibility in UN conferences and meetings.

"In an example of influencing change in specific countries, Sir Robert presented to the Spanish Congress of Deputies event on the rights of persons with learning disabilities. A week later, the Government of Spain announced persons under Guardianship would have the right to vote in the next election for the first time."

At various times, he was the Country Rapporteur for Australia, Canada and Vanuatu.

"I might be first but I most certainly don't want to be the last," Sir Robert said of his advocacy for people with learning disabilities to take to the world stage.