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Opening of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities December 3,
From left to right, Mr. Ban Ki-moon, H.E.Mr. Robert Hill, H.E.Mr. Luis Gallegos
Highlights
International Day of Persons with Disabilities - 3 December 2008
The 2008 theme of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities is "Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: Dignity and justice for all of us". Since its beginning, the United Nations has been committed to realization of universal human rights for all, including the rights of persons with disabilities. This commitment has been translated into international norms and standards, such as international human rights conventions and international, national and local action for making a difference in the lives of people all over the world.
2008 is a significant year for taking action to make this commitment a reality: the entry into force of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its Optional Protocol, legally binding instruments as well as the commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). For more information on the International Day.
Entry into Force - 3 May 2008
The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities received its 20th ratification on 3 April 2008, triggering the entry into force of the Convention and its Optional Protocol 30 days later. This marks a major milestone in the effort to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms of persons with disabilities, and to promote respect for their inherent dignity. On 12 May 2008, a commemorative event at United Nations headquarters in New York celebrated the entry into force.
Convention in Brief
The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its Optional Protocol were adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2006, and opened for signature in March 2007. The Convention aims to ensure that persons with disabilities enjoy human rights on an equal basis with others.
Latest developments
- Ratifications of the Convention and its Optional Protocol
- Signatories of the Convention and its Optional Protocol
- Map of Signatures and Ratifications
- 139 signatories to the Convention
- 82 signatories to the Optional Protocol
- 53 ratifications of the Convention
- 32 ratifications of the Optional Protocol
- Sudan ratified the Convention on 24-4-2009
- Sudan acceded to the Optional Protocol on 24-4-2009
- Morocco acceded to the Optional Protocol on 8-4-2009
Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 1st session, 23 to 27 February 2009, Geneva
Commission for Social Development 47th Session, 4 to 13 February 2009, New York
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Joint communiqué issued by States parties, 5 May 2008
EVENTS
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Report: Mainstreaming disability in the development agenda (E/CN.5/2008/6) [MS Word]
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Handbook for Parliamentarians on the Convention - in PDF |
Secretariat for the Convention on the rights of persons with disabilities
The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its Optional Protocol are serviced by a joint Secretariat, consisting of staff of both the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), based in New York, and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Geneva. This Enable website is provided by DESA.