Note: UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is the first human rights treaty adopted in the 21st century.
The Convention recognizes the rights and fundamental freedoms of persons with disabilities, in particular their right to live, civil, legal protection, receive education, maintain their health, work on an equal footing with others, to participate in political, social, cultural life, leisure activities, recreation and sports, to have adequate living conditions for themselves and their family, and the rights to social assistance. Guarantees for the implementation of these rights are established.
The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities consists of 50 articles and was adopted on the basis of an analysis of the situation of persons with disabilities in the world. The World Health Organization estimates that 15% of the world's population, experience some form of disability and today their number has reached 1 billion.
Most importantly, the Convention was adopted on the basis of a comprehensive analysis of the situation of persons with disabilities in the world. It is very important that this international legal document embodies the principles of diversity and dignity of the people.
The main idea of the Convention is that persons with disabilities should have access to all human rights and freedoms without discrimination.
The purpose of the present Convention as set forth in Article 1, "is to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities, and to promote respect for their inherent dignity". It covers a number of important issues such as access, personal mobility, health, education, employment, habilitation and rehabilitation, participation in political life, as well as equality and non-discrimination.
Article 4 of the Convention sets out general obligations to ensure, encourage and protect the rights of persons with disabilities. In particular, States Parties undertake the following obligations:
* to take all necessary legislative, administrative and other measures to exercise the rights of persons with disabilities;
* to modify or abolish existing laws, regulations, and customs that are discriminatory against persons with disabilities;
* to take into account the protection and promotion of the rights of persons with disabilities in all policies and programs, and refrain from any actions or practice inconsistent with the Convention;
* to take the necessary measures to eliminate discrimination on the basis of disability by any person, organization or private enterprise;
