The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) is a landmark legally binding treaty that entered into force on 3 May 2008. This marked a major milestone in the effort to promote, protect, and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights for all individuals, including those living with disabilities. As we approach the 17th Conference of States Parties (COSP17) starting on 11 June, it is important to reflect on the impact of the Convention on the lives of 1.3 billion men, women, and children living with disabilities around the world.
Here are five fast facts about the Convention and how it continues to impact individuals with disabilities globally:
1. Why the world needs the Convention:
People with disabilities face discrimination and the denial of their human rights worldwide. The barriers in society, not individual impairments, are the root of the problem. The Convention exists as a human rights treaty that aims to make the world more disability-inclusive. Its goal is to create an enabling environment where people living with disabilities can enjoy real equality in society.
2. Protected rights:
The Convention emphasizes the importance of respecting the dignity of individuals with disabilities, hearing their voices, and involving them in decisions that affect their lives. It covers all rights, from freedom of speech and education to healthcare and employment. The treaty calls on countries to remove obstacles that prevent people with disabilities from fully participating in various fields, including technology and politics. It addresses barriers such as discrimination and accessibility, while also advocating for equality for women and girls.
3. How the treaty is enforced:
There are several ways in which the Convention is enforced, respected, and implemented. Individuals can bring petitions to the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to report breaches of their rights. The committee, consisting of 18 members based in Geneva, can also conduct inquiries into grave or systematic violations of the Convention. It monitors the proper application of rights in times of peace, war, and other crises, both online and offline.
4. Impact on education:
The Convention has had a significant impact on education for individuals with disabilities. It recognizes the right of all persons with disabilities to education on an equal basis with others. This includes ensuring inclusive education at all levels, promoting lifelong learning opportunities, and providing accessible learning materials. The Convention emphasizes the importance of empowering individuals with disabilities through education to fully participate in society.
5. Promoting employment opportunities:
The Convention also focuses on promoting employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. It recognizes the right of persons with disabilities to work on an equal basis with others and to have equal opportunities in the labor market. It calls for reasonable accommodations in the workplace, nondiscrimination in recruitment and hiring practices, and support for vocational training and job retention. By promoting employment opportunities, the Convention aims to empower individuals with disabilities and enhance their economic independence.
In conclusion, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is a crucial instrument in promoting and protecting the rights of individuals with disabilities worldwide. Through its enforcement and implementation, the Convention continues to have a positive impact on the lives of millions of people living with disabilities. As we look ahead to COSP17 and beyond, it is essential to uphold the principles of the Convention and work towards creating a more inclusive and equal society for all.
