Annual wheelchair athletic race at Burke Rehabilitation Centre in White Plains, New York.
Highlights
International Day of Persons with Disabilities - 3 December 2008
The 2008 theme of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities is "Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: Dignity and justice for all of us". Since its beginning, the United Nations has been committed to realization of universal human rights for all, including the rights of persons with disabilities. This commitment has been translated into international norms and standards, such as international human rights conventions and international, national and local action for making a difference in the lives of people all over the world.
2008 is a significant year for taking action to make this commitment a reality: the entry into force of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its Optional Protocol, legally binding instruments as well as the commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). For more information on the International Day.
Entry into Force - 12 May 2008
The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities received its 20th ratification on 3 April 2008, triggering the entry into force of the Convention and its Optional Protocol 30 days later. This marks a major milestone in the effort to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms of persons with disabilities, and to promote respect for their inherent dignity. On 12 May 2008, a commemorative event at United Nations headquarters in New York celebrated the entry into force.
Convention in Brief
The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its Optional Protocol were adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2006, and opened for signature in March 2007. The Convention aims to ensure that persons with disabilities enjoy human rights on an equal basis with others.
Latest developments
Convention and Optional Protocol Signatories & Ratifications
- 130 signatories to the Convention
- 71 signatories to the Optional Protocol
- 34 ratifications of the Convention
- 20 ratifications of the Optional Protocol
- Map of Signatures and Ratifications as of 27 August 2008
Brazil ratified the Convention and its Optional Protocol on 1 August 2008
China ratified the Convention on 1 August 2008
Chile ratified the Convention and its Optional Protocol on 29 July 2008
International Day of Persons with Disabilities (3 December): 2008 Theme: "Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: Dignity and justice for all of us".
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Joint communiqué issued by States parties, 5 May 2008
Celebration of Entry into Force of Convention and Optional Protocol
EVENTS
ENABLE NEWSLETTER - June 2008 - Newsletter Subscription Form
Report: Mainstreaming disability in the development agenda (E/CN.5/2008/6) [MS Word]
High Commissioner for Human Rights - Commitments towards employment of staff with disabilities
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Handbook for Parliamentarians on the Convention - in PDF |
Secretariat for the Convention on the rights of persons with disabilities
The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its Optional Protocol are serviced by a joint Secretariat, consisting of staff of both the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), based in New York, and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Geneva. This Enable website is provided by DESA.