The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

State of Play

–The United Nations (UN) has set up an international human rights convention on the rights of disabled people.

State of Play

»General principles Article 3: The principles of the present Convention shall be: 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 disability as part of human diversity and humanity e.Equality of opportunity f.Accessibility g.Equality between men and women h.Respect for the evolving capacities of children with disabilities and respect for the right of children with disabilities to preserve their identities

State of Play

a.Prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability with regard to all matters concerning all forms of employment, including conditions of recruitment, hiring and employment, continuance of employment, career advancement, and safe and healthy working conditions; b.Protect the rights of persons with disabilities, on an equal basis with others, to just and favourable conditions of work, including equal opportunities and equal remuneration for work of equal value, safe and healthy working conditions, including protection from harassment, and the redressing of grievances; c.Ensure that persons with disabilities are able to exercise their labour and trade union rights on an equal basis with others;

State of Play

h.Promote the employment of persons with disabilities in the private sector through appropriate policies and measures, which may include affirmative action programmes, incentives and other measures; i.Ensure that reasonable accommodation is provided to persons with disabilities in the workplace;

State of Play

Many countries have signed and ratified the Convention. European Commision has signed the Convention. European Commission invites Parties to the Convention to take note of Article 3 (4) of the Council Directive 2000/78/EC establising a general frame work for equal treatement in employment and occupation.

Developments Development is moving from income support to an individual support provision with a focus on the open labour market. Result till now are still poor. Still too much exclusion. Low education: more than 50% op disabled persons are less likely to reach third level of education as non disabled persons.

Developments

Attention points Focus on jobs in the open labour market Education Career development Sheltered workshops less favourable, due to segregation Active support for integration into the workforce. Cooperation with employers Individual tailored support for getting and keeping a job

Challenges Methods available (e.g. supported employment) Many examples of good practices Positive responses from employers Aging population within the EU (disability management) After the crises: demands for workers

Transparant NGO’s at national and international level can follow the developments and act GLADNET ( information about answers and questions WASE ( shall collect information about Supported Employment activities

Thans for your attention Michael Kamp