Commonwealth launches publication on UN Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities

A Commonwealth publication on the UN Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2006 was launched globally on 2 September 2010 by the Commonwealth Secretariat and several partner institutions across the world.

The 36-page publication in English and braille was launched in Port Louis, Mauritius, by the Ministry of Social Security and the Commonwealth Secretariat. The publication advocates full and equal enjoyment of human rights for people with disabilities.They have faced discrimination and abuse, and have been unable to live life of their own choosing. Countries that accept the Convention are obliged to take measures to promote the rights of people with disabilities through the implementation of legislation, policies and programmes, and by working to eliminate discrimination, prejudices and harmful practices.

Dr Purna Sen, Head of Human Rights at the Secretariat, said: "Four out of five of those with hearing impairment and almost 90 per cent of those with visual impairment live in developing countries. Twenty million people globally need but do not have a wheelchair. One hundred and fifty-four million people in the world suffer from depression. We have a poor knowledge base on disabilities in the Commonwealth which makes it difficult to promote the rights of persons with disabilities. Thirty-nine Commonwealth countries have shown support for the Convention with 21 having taken it on as a legal commitment towards change.

"The Human Rights Unit is ready to assist the realisation of the commitments the countries have made so that those persons with disabilities may enjoy lives of dignity, justice and respect. We encourage remaining member states to sign and ratify the Convention."

The Head of the Disability Unit of the Mauritius Ministry of Social Security, Mr Bankur, said: "The Government of Mauritius will further promote the integration of persons with disabilities by facilitating their access to training, education, employment, health and ensure the protection of their human rights among others. According to the Training and Employment of Disabled Persons Act of 1996, the workforce of all enterprises having 35 or more employees should consist of at least three per cent of disabled employees."

The Commonwealth is working with key partners such as national human rights commissions (NHRCs), Ombudsmen offices and states to promote this Convention.

The publication was also launched at the New Zealand Human Rights Commission in Auckland, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights in Nairobi and the Public Defender's Office in Kingston, Jamaica.

New Zealand's Chief Human Rights Commissioner Rosslyn Noonan applauded the Secretariat's initiative, saying that the publication will be a valuable tool for the Commission's work to promote the Disability Convention in New Zealand.

"The Convention is the first international human rights instrument of the 21st century and the Government has committed to ensuring that people with disabilities share equally in their enjoyment of rights, though in many cases this remains to be achieved," said Ms Noonan.

Commissioner Lawrence Mute of Kenya's National Commission on Human Rights said: "The Convention is extremely valuable for us in Kenya, particularly now that we have a new constitution. The two bodies of law will ensure effective promotion and protection of the rights of persons with disabilities in Kenya. The challenge will be on implementation and I think the Commonwealth should engage with both state and non-state actors to ensure that individuals with disabilities actively enjoy those rights."

Subscribing to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is one thing, promtion and fulfilment of its provisions and objectives is quite another, said Earl Witter, QC, Public Defender, Jamaica.

"The publication should greatly enhance public awareness of the Convention and encourage governments to honour international obligations and uphold international standards. Hopefully other Commonwealth countries in the region will not delay much longer in ratifying the Convention."

The publication was launched in India by the NHRC in New Delhi on 3 September. The Chief Executive Officer of India's NHRC, K S Money, said: "The world is home to over 60 million persons with disabilities, and 20 per cent of the world's poorest and marginalised communities comprise persons with disabilities who are routinely subjected to a culture of discrimination and exclusion. The NHRC of India continues to demonstrate conscious sensitivity to issues pertaining to their human rights and fundamental freedoms."

Key Links:

• Human Rights

Related News:

• UN Enable - Promoting the Rights of Persons with Disabilities