UNCRPD - United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is one of the main international human rights treaties. Its purpose is to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities, and to promote respect for their inherent dignity.
The UNCRPD covers all the aspects of the life of persons with disabilities for their full inclusion in society. Separate articles define the fundamental rights such as the right to live independently and be included in the community (Art.19), the right to education (Art.24), the right to health (Art.25), the right to work and employment (Art. 27) and the right to an adequate standard of living and social protection (Art.28).
The Convention has its own reporting and monitoring mechanism guided by the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
As of 2022, the UNCRPD has 185 parties. The EU ratified it in 2006, setting minimum standards for rights of persons with disabilities. Since it is a legally binding treaty, both the EU and its Member States are obliged to implement it according to their respective competences. At EU level, it also means that all existing and future legislation must be in line with the UNCRPD.