UN Publications
UN Convention on the Rights of Persons
with Disabilities
This Convention was adopted on 13th December 2006, with the highest number of signatories to a UN Convention in history on its opening day. It will enter into force on 3rd May 2008. It is intended as a human rights instrument, which recognises persons with disabilities are capable of claiming their rights and making decisions for their lives. It is meant to increase their participation in all aspects of life as far as each person wishes.
Guiding Principles of the Convention
The following eight guiding principles form the basis of this Convention and each one of its specific articles:
- Respect for inherent dignity, individual autonomy including the freedom to make one's own choices, and independence of persons
- Non-discrimination
- Full and effective participation and inclusion in society
- Respect for difference and acceptance of persons with disabilities as part of human diversity and humanity
- Equality of opportunity
- Accessibility
- Equality between men and women
- Respect for the evolving capacities of children with disabilities and respect for the right of children with disabilities to preserve their identities
Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Optional Protocol
English (448 KB)
French (477 KB)
Disabilities Handbook for Parliamentarians
English (2.1 MB)
Enable website of the United Nations: Rights and Dignity of Persons with Disabilities
http://www.un.org/disabilities
ILEP and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
May 3rd Milestone for United Nations Disability Convention (72 KB)
Mainstreaming Disability in the Development Agenda
This document was prepared by the Secretariat of the Economic and Social Council. It gives an overview of the background, practicalities and resources related to mainstreaming disability in the development agenda in the context of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Download (89 KB)
The Right of Everyone to Enjoy the Highest Attainable
Standard of Physical and Mental Health
In this interim report of October 2003, Paul Hunt, Special Rapporteur of the Commission on Human Rights, reflects on the issues and activities related to the right of everyone to enjoy the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health. Section V suggests that it might be timely to devise a right to health approach to the elimination of leprosy, including the stigma and discrimination associated with the disease.
Download (148 KB)