HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSIONER SAYS NEW TREATY WOULD BE FURTHER STEP TOWARDS REALIZING RIGHTS OF DISABLED PERSONS

3 December 2004


Following is the statement of Louise Arbour, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, on the International Day of Disabled Persons, 3 December 2004:


"The annual observance of the International Day of Disabled Persons should draw our attention to the millions of people who experience discrimination in their daily lives on the grounds of their disability. Developing an awareness of this inequality is the first step toward overcoming it. For far too long, persons with disabilities have been denied equal access to basic rights and fundamental freedoms, be they health care, employment, education, the vote or participation in cultural activities.

The theme of this year’s commemoration – "Nothing about Us without Us" – highlights the inalienable right of persons with disabilities to participate in decision making affecting their lives, in a way that is respectful and accommodating of their difference. It also reflects the goal of an inclusive society based on the full and equal participation of persons with disabilities in political, economic, social, and cultural life.
The adoption of the new proposed convention on the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities would represent a further step towards this goal. Such a treaty would, among other things, allow for tailoring the implementation of general human rights norms and standards to the particular needs of persons with disabilities.
Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs) – and in particular those established by persons with disabilities – have a crucial role to play in discussions concerning the proposed new treaty. I urge Governments to include experts and representatives from disability organizations in their delegations, so as to ensure that persons with disabilities have an adequate voice in the decision-making process. In particular, I encourage Governments to contribute to the voluntary fund which has been established to assist NGOs that lack resources – especially those from developing countries and countries with economies in transition – to participate in the work of the Ad Hoc Committee established by the General Assembly to negotiate the proposed new treaty.

As efforts continue towards the elaboration of the new proposed convention, we must continue in our daily efforts to put an end to the inequalities facing people with disabilities. Importantly, any obstacles in this regard, whether legal or societal, can only be effectively addressed by working hand in hand with those directly concerned".



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