Nov 2008
Disabled people's rights - delayed
21/November/2008 03:08 PM Filed in: Equality
Jonathan
Shaw, disabilities minister, has announced that the
UK government will not ratify the UN Convention on
the Rights of Persons with Disabilities this
December.
The delay could last until Spring 2009 or later due to lack of commitment to parts of the conventions.
Dr Alice Maynard (Scope chair) said:
“This treaty is of huge political and symbolic importance for disabled people and will help strengthen our rights in all areas of our lives, from education to family life.”
It would give disabled people the right to go to the UN when they have exhausted the legal processes in the UK.
It also has the potential to change existing legislation such as the Disability Discrimination Act and Disability Equality Duty and challenge attitudes and stereotypes.
One particular point that brushes heavily with social care is the right to life.
The articles referring to the Right to Life is emotive. It would give specific signals that the birth and continued life of disabled children should be sustained. Also that children of disabled parents should not be separated against their will purely on the basis of ‘disability’ - rather society should support disabled parents with their children and that to do otherwise would be a clear breach of their human rights as a family.
Another article (24) would ensure equal access to inclusive education - in the mainstream if this would not be to the detriment of other pupils.
On May 3rd, 2008, 127 countries brought disability discrimination into the 21st century. Disabled people in Ecuador, for example, now have more protection of their human rights than UK citizens.
More information
UN - easy to read guide to the Convention
Human rights and disability UN Convention.info- the only UK website devoted to the convention - news and information.
The delay could last until Spring 2009 or later due to lack of commitment to parts of the conventions.
What would this do for disabled people in the UK?
Dr Alice Maynard (Scope chair) said:
“This treaty is of huge political and symbolic importance for disabled people and will help strengthen our rights in all areas of our lives, from education to family life.”
It would give disabled people the right to go to the UN when they have exhausted the legal processes in the UK.
It also has the potential to change existing legislation such as the Disability Discrimination Act and Disability Equality Duty and challenge attitudes and stereotypes.
One particular point that brushes heavily with social care is the right to life.
The articles referring to the Right to Life is emotive. It would give specific signals that the birth and continued life of disabled children should be sustained. Also that children of disabled parents should not be separated against their will purely on the basis of ‘disability’ - rather society should support disabled parents with their children and that to do otherwise would be a clear breach of their human rights as a family.
Another article (24) would ensure equal access to inclusive education - in the mainstream if this would not be to the detriment of other pupils.
Has anyone else signed up to the Convention?
On May 3rd, 2008, 127 countries brought disability discrimination into the 21st century. Disabled people in Ecuador, for example, now have more protection of their human rights than UK citizens.
More information
UN - easy to read guide to the Convention
Human rights and disability UN Convention.info- the only UK website devoted to the convention - news and information.
