A Brief Look into the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

What is the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities?
The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) is an international human rights instrument of the United Nations that is intended to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities. It clarifies and qualifies how all categories of rights apply to persons with disabilities and identifies areas where adaptations have to be made to effectively promote, protect and ensure their full rights. It also identifies the obligations on countries that are parties to the Convention to promote, protect and ensure those rights.

What are the guiding principles that underline the Convention?

  1. Respect for inherent dignity, individual autonomy including the freedom to make one's own choices, and independence of persons
  2. Non-discrimination
  3. Full and effective participation and inclusion in society
  4. Respect for difference and acceptance of persons with disabilities as part of human diversity and humanity
  5. Equality of opportunity
  6. Accessibility
  7. Equality between men and women
  8. Respect for the evolving capacities of children with disabilities and respect for the right of children with disabilities to preserve their identities


What About Ratification in the United States?

Even though President Obama has signed the Convention and forwarded in on to the Senate, they have failed to reach the necessary two-thirds margin required to approve the CRPD. However, because treaties remain available to the Senate from one Congress to the next, it can be considered again the next time Congress convenes.

What Can You Do?
GCDD fully supports this advocacy effort and encourages Georgia citizens to contact Sen. Johnny Isakson and Sen. Saxby Chambliss urging them to support the convention as well.

Contact Sen. Johnny Isakson at:
Washington DC Office
United States Senate
131 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Tel: (202) 224-3643
Fax: (202) 228-0724

For more information visit, http://www.isakson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/how-can-i-help

Contact Sen. Saxby Chambliss at:
Washington DC Office
United States Senate
416 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Tel: 202-224-3521

For more information visit, http://www.chambliss.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/contactme (This link is no longer active.)

For more information on the Convention for Persons With Disabilities, visit http://www.un.org/disabilities/