A short introduction to the Convention Module 2

Objective Module flow Answer key questions on the Convention What is the Convention? What is the purpose of the Convention? Whom does it protect? What does it protect? Who is responsible? What has to be done? How is it enforced? Why is the Convention important? What can you do to support the Convention?

What is a convention? An internationally agreed document that: Recognizes universal human rights standards Identifies obligations on States to promote and protect human rights Sets out national and international monitoring and implementation mechanisms

What is the purpose of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities? To promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities and to promote respect for their inherent dignity

Whom does it protect? 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 Consider: Diversity of disabilities – physical, intellectual, psycho-social, sensory … Women with disabilities Children with disabilities Older persons with disabilities Others?

What are the principles set out in the Convention? Respect for dignity and individual autonomy Non-discrimination Participation and inclusion Respect for difference and diversity Accessibility Equality of opportunity Equality between men and women Respect for the evolving capacities of children with disabilities

What does it protect? EXERCISE Unlocking the secrets of the Convention: choose a right and discuss

Who is responsible? The State: ministries, parliaments, courts Private sector Health, teaching and other professionals, the media Everyone! Slide 8 The purpose of this slide is to outline the various mechanisms that can have a role in national implementation and monitoring. While the Convention refers explicitly to three mechanisms – focal points and coordination mechanisms for implementation and independent mechanisms/frameworks and civil society for monitoring – others can also help to implement and monitor. Parliament and courts are possible examples.

What has to be done? Change laws and policies Provide funding Make goods and services accessible Raise awareness on rights Train professionals and others Undertake research Collect data Monitor Strengthen ministries, courts, national human rights institutions (creating them if needed) Build State capacity to implement Build capacity of persons with disabilities to claim their rights

How is it enforced? At national level: Government: for implementation Focal point Coordination mechanism (optional) Independent framework: for monitoring National implementation and monitoring framework Civil society

How is it enforced? At international level: Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities State reports General Comments Concluding Observations Optional Protocol to the Convention Communications Inquiries

How is it enforced? Consider the roles of: Courts National monitoring frameworks Civil society monitoring The Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

Why is the Convention important? Clarifies the rights of persons with disabilities Sets out responsibilities to respect those rights Requires a rights-based approach to disability Promotes inclusive and accessible development Ensures national and international monitoring of rights

Participation of persons with disabilities Nothing about us without us!

What can you do to support the Convention?

Sources Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities A/HRC/4/75 A/HRC/10/48 Department of Economic and Social Affairs; United Nations Population Fund; Wellesley Centers for Women, Disability Rights, Gender and Development: A Resource Tool for Action. Available from www.un.org/disabilities/documents/Publication/UNWCW%20MANUAL.pdf (accessed 2 August 2012)