26 August 2006
Disability to make UN top ten
A United Nations committee today completed drafting on a convention on the rights of people with disabilities. If adopted by the General Assembly next year, it will be the first Human Rights Convention this century and join seven other core human rights conventions.
Human Rights and Disability Discrimination Commissioner Graeme Innes, in New York as part of the Australian delegation, said: "This is a landmark event for the 600 million people with disabilities around the world. It will establish a benchmark for non-discrimination and inclusion of people with disabilities into society."
The Convention recognises equality for people with disabilities in areas such as employment, education, and access to community facilities and the built environment.
The Australian government has participated in all negotiating sessions of the working group.
"I have been very proud of the positive contribution which Australia has made to this process," Mr Innes said. "Government input has been positive and constructive, and our community organisations have played an outstanding role," he said.
"I encourage the Government to quickly ratify the Convention when it is passed by the UN and continue its commitment to equality for people with disabilities."
Media contact: Janine MacDonald 0407 660 235
