Entry into force of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

Gérard (3) from Burkina Faso suffers from cerebral palsy. Due to the support of LIGHT FOR THE WORLD he can smile again!

On 3 May 2008, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities entered into force. This human rights instrument represents a milestone in the efforts to promote and protect all human rights of persons with disabilities. It is particularly important for persons with disabilities in developing countries as it is the first international treaty which expressly claims the rights of persons with disabilities in development cooperation. In Austria, LIGHT FOR THE WORLD advocates strongly for the ratification of the Convention in order to support persons with disabilities and make their full and equal participation in society a reality.

The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities was adopted on 13 December 2006 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York and was opened for signature on 30 March 2007. On the opening day, a record-breaking 82 countries signed the Convention. To date, 27 UN member states have ratified the Convention and thus showed their commitment to secure the rights of persons with disabilities and to abolish all laws, regulations, customs and practices that discriminate against persons with disabilities.

In a rehabilitation programme in Ethiopia Tigist learned the sign language. Now she can talk to her aunt.

The first comprehensive human rights treaty of the 21st century

The Convention is the first comprehensive human rights treaty of the 21st century. It is significant in its approach to persons with disabilities. Instead of viewing them as people in need of charity and social protection, it recognises that each person with a disability not only has human rights but is capable of claiming their rights, making their own decisions and should be a fully recognised and participating member of society. This kind of recognition, which states party sign up to, is crucial for persons with disabilities as it legally binds the governments to consider persons with disabilities in all areas of life.

Austria was the first country to sign the Convention on 30 March 2007 but has unfortunately not ratified yet. However, the process of amending the national disability bill so that Austria complies with the Convention has been inaugurated. “We therefore ask the Austrian government to swiftly ratify the Convention so that persons with disabilities can enjoy their rights equally. Austria must not fall behind any further!” says executive director of LIGHT FOR THE WORLD, Rupert Roniger.

Further information

Web: www.un.org/disabilities