14 December 2006
Commissioner welcomes UN instrument for 650 million people with disabilities
The United Nation"s General Assembly should be applauded for passing its landmark Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Australia"s Disability Discrimination Commissioner, Graeme Innes AM said today.
"This Convention clearly spells out that the 650 million people with disabilities throughout the world are entitled to equality in work, education, access and many other areas of public life," Commissioner Innes said.
"I congratulate the Assembly on this decision and urge the Australian Government to confirm our status as one of the leading countries in providing equality for people with disabilities and to be an early signatory to the Convention."
The Convention, which will be available for signing in March, clarifies equal rights and non-discrimination for people with disabilities throughout the world.
"This Convention provides a clear benchmark and establishes goals for Governments throughout the world to work towards as well as monitors the situation to ensure real progress actually takes place.
"Many government and non-Government organisations have played a role in the drafting of this landmark Convention and I would like to particularly thank the Australian Government for its positive contribution and congratulate the numerous organisations of people with disabilities who also made major contributions to the process," Commissioner Innes said.
Media contact: Louise McDermott (02) 9284 9851 or 0419 258 597
Last updated January 31, 2008
