The CRPD as human rights instrument and tool for achieving the MDGs. Conference of State Parties 31 October, Charlotte McClain-Nhlapo Senior Operations Officer World Bank.

The CRPD It presents a comprehensive and pragmatic framework for achieving 8 MDGs. With its inclusive development mandate it stands to trigger the social inclusion of people with disabilities into mainstream society. Today development practices by and large exclude people with disabilities.

The MDGs… The MDGs are tools for measuring results. Disability is directly related to achieving all of the MDGs. Disability is not mentioned in the MDGs.

Eradicate Extreme Poverty & Hunger The prevalence of disability is about 10-15% and it is strongly associated with poverty. Of the estimated 650 million persons with disabilities globally – 70% live in developing countries, and 82% below the poverty line. (UN statistics). Disability impacts on the entire families labor force participation and schooling. Not addressing the barriers they face to escaping poverty seriously undermines the effectiveness of anti- poverty programs. CRPD – Preamble, Art (b) and Art (a).

2. Achieve Primary Universal Education This goal can not be achieved without reaching out to children with disabilities. Of the 115 million children not attending primary school in the developing world, about 40 million are estimated to have disabilities. CRPD – Art. 24

Promote Gender Equality and Empower Women Women and girls who are poor have the least power of anyone in society. The target of eliminating gender inequality in education by 2015 will not be met without including women and girls with disabilities. Violence against women is an important cause of both psychological and physical disabilities, and some disabilities – such as obstetric fistula – are particularly stigmatizing. CRPD-Preamble (q), (s), Art. 3 (g) Art. 6, Art. 16

Reduce Child Mortality Reduce Child Mortality Children with disabilities are more at risk of dying, not only because of life threatening medical conditions or lack of access to public services, but because in many cultures they are neglected or left to die. Often this results from intense stigma. CRPD- Art.10

Improve Maternal Health This goal directly is linked to the notion of disability prevention. Women with disabilities are more likely to be victims of sexual abuse and have less access to public health information, making them at greater risk of unwanted pregnancies, HIV/AIDS and other STDs. Up to 20 million women a year are affected by disabling impairments associated with pregnancy and childbirth. CRPD- Art.25.

Combat HIV/AIDS, Malaria & Other Diseases People with disabilities also have HIV/AIDS. The issues of stigma and reduced functional capacity are central. To effectively stamp out any epidemic, the entire population must be reached. Current outreach and education efforts are usually inaccessible, although people with disabilities are expected to have higher rates of infection. CRPD Art.25

Guarantee Environmentally Sustainable Development Guarantee Environmentally Sustainable Development Environmental risks (e.g. poor sanitation and water quality) and natural disasters can cause numerous types of disability. Not incorporating universal design into post- disaster reconstruction creates long term barriers to accessibility, at a time when such accessibility could be produced in the most cost effective manner. CRPD – Art. 9, Art. 11, Art. 28.

Develop a Global Partnership for Development A partnership implies inclusion, which means everyone. It highlights the role of civil society and disabled peoples organizations in the promotion of inclusive development. It also recognizes the role of international and regional organizations. CRPD- Preamble (l), Art. 4 (3),Art. 32

Conclusion If the substantive articles of the CRPD are applied in accordance with the general principles - they can act as a lever to achieving the MDGs.