UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Introduction In June 2009 the United Kingdom Government ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and also ratified the optional protocol in August 2009. This means that it will need to report periodically to the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. It also means persons with disabilities can make individual complaints to the Committee. You can find out how to do so online at Web: www.un.org/disabilities Guiding Principles of the Convention a. Respect for inherent dignity, individual autonomy including the freedom to make one's own choices, and independence of persons b. Non-discrimination c. Full and effective participation and inclusion in society d. Respect for difference and acceptance of persons with disabilities as part of human diversity and humanity e. Equality of opportunity f. Accessibility g. Equality between men and women; and h. Respect for the evolving capacities of children with disabilities and respect for the right of children with disabilities to preserve their identities. Who qualifies for protection? Article 1 states that: ‘persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others’. Examples of Rights * equality before the law without discrimination * right to life, liberty and security of the person * equal recognition before the law and legal capacity * freedom from torture * freedom from exploitation, violence and abuse * right to respect physical and mental integrity * freedom of movement and nationality * right to live in the community * freedom of expression and opinion * respect for privacy * respect for home and the family * right to education * right to health * right to work * right to an adequate standard of living * right to participate in political and public life; and * right to participate in cultural life Useful Contacts United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Web: www.un.org/disabilities Equality and Human Rights Commission Web: www.equalityhumanrights.com England Tel: 0845 604 6610 Textphone: 0845 604 6620 Scotland Tel: 0845 604 5510 Textphone: 0845 604 5520 Wales Tel: 0845 604 8810 Textphone: 0845 604 8820 RADAR 12 City Forum 250 City Road London EC1V 8AF Tel: 020 7250 3222 Textphone: 020 7250 4119 Email: radar@radar.org.uk ______________________________________________________________ Legal Disclaimer Although great care has been taken in the compilation and preparation of this work to ensure accuracy, DLS cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions. All information provided is for education/informative purposes and is not a substitute for professional advice. Any organisations, telephone numbers and links to external web-sites have been carefully selected but are provided without any endorsement of the content of those sites. For further advice on these matters please contact: Disability Law Service Telephone: 020 7791 9800 Minicom: 020 7791 9801 Fax: 020 7791 9802 Email: advice@dls.org.uk Or write to us at: 39 – 45 Cavell Street, London E1 2BP Registered Charity Number 280805, Company Registration Number 1408520