Human Rights of persons with disabilities

Introduction

Persons with disabilities are still often 'invisible' in society, either segregated or simply ignored as passive objects of charity. They are denied their rights to be included in the general school system, to be employed, to live independently in the community, to move freely, to vote, to participate in sport and cultural activities, to enjoy social protection, to live in an accessible built and technological environment, to access justice, to enjoy freedom to choose medical treatments and to enter freely into legal commitments such as buying and selling property.

The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities sets out international human rights standards for all persons with disabilities in the world. It views persons with disabilities as having legal rights and protects them from discrimination. It requires States, the private sector and others to take on the responsibility of respecting, protecting and fulfilling those rights. It promotes international cooperation towards development and humanitarian assistance. It requires national and international independent monitoring. The Optional Protocol to the Convention provides a means for individuals to complain when their rights are not respected.  

Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

The Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) is the body of independent experts which monitors implementation of the Convention by the States Parties.

All States Parties are obliged to submit regular reports to the Committee on how the rights are being implemented. The Optional Protocol to the Convention gives the Committee competence to examine individual complaints with regard to alleged violations of the Convention by States Parties to the Protocol.

Publications

Highlights 

The Human Rights Council adopted a resolution on 'Rights of persons with disabilities: participation in political and public life' on 22 March 2012

A panel on participation of persons with disabilities in political and public life was held during the 19th session of the Human Rights Council

The first World Down Syndrome Day was commemorated on 21 March 2012. Read the message of UN Secretary-General, Mr Ban-Ki Moon, to mark this day

OHCHR has prepared a thematic study on participation of persons with disabilities in political and public life. Read the study in word or pdf.
An easy to read version of the study is now available in word or pdf.

UNIPSIL and OHCHR have jointly produced a report on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Sierra Leone. Read the report here

Watch the video "Forgotten Europeans", which highlights the experiences of Mikhail in Molvoda and Assen in Bulgaria who both grew up in institutional care  

On the International Day for Persons with Disabilities, the High Commissioner urged States to remove obstacles to political participation by individuals with disabilities

Watch a video interview with Ms. Theresia Degener, member of the CRPD Committee, on her personal struggle as a person with a disability to have access to education in inclusive settings

UNMIT launches the first public report by a peace-keeping mission on the rights of persons with disabilities. Read the full report in:
English/Portuguese/Tetum

Read the accessible Executive Summary in:
English/Portuguese

Read the High Commissioner's speech at the opening of the XVI World Congress of the World Federation of the Deaf

HRC adopts resolution relating to violence against women with disabilities

Pillay welcomes 100th ratification of treaty designed to cure discrimination against people with disabilities
13 May 2011 

Thematic focus 

Children with disabilities
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International cooperation
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National implementation mechanisms
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Legal measures
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Freedom from torture
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Inclusive education
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Progressive realization
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