5 May 2008
Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission
Disability convention comes into force
Australia's Human Rights Commissioner Graeme Innes today welcomed the coming into force of the International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The Convention was ratified by 20 UN members on 3 April 2008, and came into force 30 days after that
date.
"This is an important day for the 650 million people with disabilities throughout the world," Commissioner Innes said. "Around two-thirds of United Nations Member States do not have any legal protection for people with disabilities, so this Convention provides an international
framework for such protection."
The Convention sets out existing human rights as they apply specifically to people with disabilities. These include rights to non-discrimination in all areas of life, such as employment, education, health services, transportation and access to justice. "Australia has signed the Convention, but not yet ratified it," Commissioner Innes said. "I encourage prompt ratification by the Australian Government, so that we can participate in the election of the treaty body, to take place in the next few months."
Ratification by Australia requires a National Interest Assessment to go before the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties. The assessment requires input from State and Territory Governments, and Commissioner Innes encouraged all of them to meet these obligations promptly.
"As a world leader in disability laws and policy we have much to contribute to this process," he said.
The text of the Convention, and related papers, may be viewed on the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission website at:
www.humanrights.gov.au/disability_rights/convention.htm
Media contacts: Brinsley Marlay (02) 9284 9656 or 0430 366 529