Disability rights

“Men are born and remain freeand equalin dignity and rights.”

Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights takes on another meaning when we know that 500 million persons living with disability in the world cannot afford the treatment they need, that in developing countries 98% of children living with a disability do not go to school and that 80% of persons with disabilities live on less than one euro per day. At the end of 2006 the United Nations adopted a specific convention on the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities. Handicap International was present during the drafting of this convention and supported the work of organisations for persons with disabilities.

Following its ratification by 20 countries, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities entered into force on 3 May 2008. This entry into force requires signatory States  to incorporate anti-discriminatory measures for persons with disabilities in their national legislation, such as making facilities and services accessible. If the States fail to meet their obligations, individuals or groups of individuals can refer the matter to a monitoring committee.