Menu
04/02/2009
Government Commits To Rights For Disabled People
Disabled people will have the opportunity to take their case to the UN if they feel their rights have been breached, Jonathan Shaw, Minister for Disabled People said today.
Announcing that the UK Government has committed to signing the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention on Rights of Disabled People, Mr Shaw said: "This is further demonstration of our commitment to the UN Convention on the Rights of Disabled People, and to the principle of ensuring that disabled people can enjoy their human rights on an equal basis with non-disabled people."
The Convention itself reaffirms that disabled people have - and should be able to enjoy - their human rights on an equal basis with non-disabled people. The Optional Protocol builds on this by establishing two additional procedures in respect of implementation and monitoring of the Convention. This includes an avenue that will enable individuals, who feel their rights have been breached, to bring petitions to the UN Committee, set up to monitor implementation of the Convention.
The UK signed the UN Convention itself on the first day that it was able to do so - on 30 March 2007. Since then it has been considering the Optional Protocol in the light of work towards ratification of the Convention itself.
Mr Shaw, added: "I can tell you that work towards ratification of the Convention itself continues and good progress is being made. We expect the Parliamentary processes for ratification of the Convention will start soon. Our ambition is to ratify the Convention in the Spring."
(JM/BMcC)
Announcing that the UK Government has committed to signing the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention on Rights of Disabled People, Mr Shaw said: "This is further demonstration of our commitment to the UN Convention on the Rights of Disabled People, and to the principle of ensuring that disabled people can enjoy their human rights on an equal basis with non-disabled people."
The Convention itself reaffirms that disabled people have - and should be able to enjoy - their human rights on an equal basis with non-disabled people. The Optional Protocol builds on this by establishing two additional procedures in respect of implementation and monitoring of the Convention. This includes an avenue that will enable individuals, who feel their rights have been breached, to bring petitions to the UN Committee, set up to monitor implementation of the Convention.
The UK signed the UN Convention itself on the first day that it was able to do so - on 30 March 2007. Since then it has been considering the Optional Protocol in the light of work towards ratification of the Convention itself.
Mr Shaw, added: "I can tell you that work towards ratification of the Convention itself continues and good progress is being made. We expect the Parliamentary processes for ratification of the Convention will start soon. Our ambition is to ratify the Convention in the Spring."
(JM/BMcC)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
09 June 2004
Health department launches disability health action plan
The Health Department has launched a new action plan which it hopes will enable disabled people to use health services in the same way as everyone else.
Health department launches disability health action plan
The Health Department has launched a new action plan which it hopes will enable disabled people to use health services in the same way as everyone else.
29 November 2004
All trains to accommodate disabled passengers by 2020
Transport Minister Charlotte Atkins revealed today that by 2020 all trains in the UK will accommodate disabled passengers. The announcement follows the recent introduction of the Disability Discrimination Bill in the House of Lords and continues the government's efforts to provide a transport system which respects the needs of all travellers.
All trains to accommodate disabled passengers by 2020
Transport Minister Charlotte Atkins revealed today that by 2020 all trains in the UK will accommodate disabled passengers. The announcement follows the recent introduction of the Disability Discrimination Bill in the House of Lords and continues the government's efforts to provide a transport system which respects the needs of all travellers.
03 February 2004
UN official calls for clampdown on Internet-driven racism
A top UN human rights official has called for further measures to prevent the propagation of racial hatred carried on the Internet.
UN official calls for clampdown on Internet-driven racism
A top UN human rights official has called for further measures to prevent the propagation of racial hatred carried on the Internet.
11 June 2009
Consultation Will Give Disabled People More Control
A national consultation that could dramatically change the way every disabled person lives their life is being launched today by Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Yvette Cooper. Right to Control is a shake up of the way disabled people can use the funding they receive from the state.
Consultation Will Give Disabled People More Control
A national consultation that could dramatically change the way every disabled person lives their life is being launched today by Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Yvette Cooper. Right to Control is a shake up of the way disabled people can use the funding they receive from the state.
12 June 2003
Viewers 'more accepting' than broadcasters of disabled on TV
Television viewers seem to be ahead of broadcast professionals when it comes to the depiction of disabled people on television, according to research published today.
Viewers 'more accepting' than broadcasters of disabled on TV
Television viewers seem to be ahead of broadcast professionals when it comes to the depiction of disabled people on television, according to research published today.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
