United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities was adopted by the General Assembly at the end of 2006. This Convention develops standards and measures to be adopted by member States to ensure the equal enjoyment of all human rights by persons with disabilities. 

The Convention encompasses a broad array of topics, ranging from justice to political and civic life, security, culture and social development. Within that context, it addresses a number of issues, including education, health, employment and social protection. The Convention refers directly or indirectly to issues of availability, accessibility, adaptability and acceptability. 

With regard to education, after having stressed the rights of persons with disabilities to education, the Convention clarifies that they should be included in the general education system, and that they should be accommodated for and taught Braille, alternative script, sign language or other language modes as necessary. 

Concerning health, the Convention states that persons with disabilities have the right to enjoy the highest standard of health and health insurance without discrimination on the basis of their disability. Services should be provided either free or at affordable prices and need to be gender sensitive and close in proximity. 

With regards to work and employment, the Convention stipulates the right of persons with disabilities to work on an equal basis with others in an environment that is inclusive and accessible. It also prohibits the discrimination in hiring, continuance of employment and career advancement. It prescribes the promotion of opportunities of self-employment, career advancement, assistance in obtaining jobs, and vocational and professional rehabilitation. The Convention recognizes the right of persons with disabilities to an adequate standard of living and social protection, including adequate food, clothing and housing; access to clean water; access to affordable services, in particular access of women, girls and older persons with disabilities to social protection programmes and poverty reduction programmes; and access to public housing programmes and retirement benefits.