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What is a human rights convention?A human rights convention is a written agreement between countries to obey the same law about an issue. Conventions, sometimes called treaties, covenants, international agreements or legal instruments tell governments what to do to make sure all people can enjoy their rights. Universal Declaration on Human RightsThe Universal Declaration on Human Rights was adopted by the United Nations in 1948. It is the first international document setting out rights that all people have. Since then, several other human rights conventions have been developed that expand on the human rights in the Universal Declaration. What is the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. (UNCRPD)A milestone for the advocacy of the rights of persons with disabilities is now steadily gaining worldwide acceptance and support. This is known as the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities refers to a document focusing on international human rights of people with disabilities. It was created by the United Nations and is being monitored by the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 13, 2006. The Convention was opened for signature on March 30, 2007. It then came into force on May 3, 2008, after the Convention's ratification by the 20th party. There are a total of 71 countries that have ratified the convention. Some of the countries that have ratified the Convention include Australia, Belgium, China, India, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, and United Kingdom and Northern Ireland. The UN.org website has a section where interested groups and individuals can read the » latest developments regarding the convention. The Convention intends to ensure equal rights to people with disabilities. This is done by elaborating in detail the rights of persons with disabilities and setting out a code of implementation.Guiding Principles of the Convention Eight principles form the base for the Convention and the articles included in it. Below are the guiding principles:
An Overview of the ConventionThe Convention consists of 50 articles. Below is a brief overview of each group of articles: Article 1 identifies the purpose of the Convention:"to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities, and to promote respect for their inherent dignity" Articles 2 to 3 provide definitions of terms and general principles. Articles 4 to 32 define the specific rights of persons with disabilities. Included in the articles are the obligations of states parties towards persons with disabilities. Below are the points covered by this article group:
Articles 33 to 39 focus on procedures for reporting and monitoring of the Convention. Below are the points covered by the said article group:
Articles 40 to 50 focus on ratification, entry into force, and amendment of the Convention. Below are the points covered by the convention?s final article group:
References» UN Convention documents |