Disability rights and UN CRPD
ADDC is a rights-based organisation that advocates all people with disabilities should experience full and inalienable human rights in all contexts.
Barriers to rights
People with disabilities experience discrimination and barriers to their participation in society every day. People are commonly denied their right to education, employment, freedom of movement, access to health and social services, access to justice, live independently or be included in cultural activities. A disproportionate number of people with disabilities live in developing countries and a disproportionate number live in extreme poverty in those countries.
UN CRPD
The United National Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities (CRPD), adopted in 2006 and entered into force in 2008, cemented the approach to disability founded on human rights for all. The CRPD promotes, protects and ensures the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities, as well as promotes respect of the inherent dignity of all persons who live with disability. The CRPD recognises people with disabilities as active subjects, capable of claiming their rights and making decisions about their lives based on their free and informed consent. It enshrines the tenant that all decisions about people with disabilities should include people with disabilities in the decision making process.
General principles from the UN CRPD (article 3):
- 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