United Nation's Ratifies Disability Treaty
On 3 April 2008 the United Nation's Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) received the necessary 20 member state ratifications and the Convention will become part of international law on 3 May 2008.
- Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (full text)
- Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (plain English)
The CRPD is the first legally enforceable, international human rights instrument to specifically mention and protect the rights of people with disability to participate fully in society. It includes the right to liberty; the right to an education; the right to vote and participate in public and cultural life; the right to receive information in accessible formats; and more. The aim is to make it easier for people with disability to participate fully in work, family and community life, have access to services and the democratic process.
The 20 countries that have ratified the Treaty to date are: Bangladesh, Croatia, Cuba, El Salvador, Gabon, Guinea, Hungary, India, Jamaica, Jordan, Mexico, Namibia, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, San Marino, South Africa, Spain, Tunisia and Ecuador.
Australia is one of the signatories to the CRDP but has not yet ratified the Treaty. The Australian Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC) point out that while Australia has not yet accepted the obligations of the CRDP, signature "does imply an obligation to consider ratification in good faith".
What happens next?
Currently, the Australian Government is considering the process for preparing a National Interest Analysis for the Convention including commencing pre-ratification consultation. HREOC and the disability sector are encouraged by the Government's response, and are hopeful that the path to ratification will be smooth. Further information will be posted on the HREOC Convention Page when available.
An overview of the steps involved in ratifying the CRDP and what this means in the Australian context is provided in the HREOC Convention FAQ
How to get involved
Learn more about the CRDP and become engaged in the debate to help make the world a more inclusive place …
United Nation's information on the Convention
- About the Convention
- Questions and answers on the Convention
- The Convention in brief
- Some facts on disability
- Handbook for Parliamentarians on the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Other resources
Google links
End of Google links