InternationalTelecommunicationUnion

ITU Workshop on Accessibility to ICTs, 23 July 2010, Shanghai, China

The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: overview

and implications for ICTs

Silvia LavagnoliAdviser on Human Rights and Disability

Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)

International Telecommunication Union Workshop“Accessibility to ICTs”,

Shanghai, China, 23 July 2010

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Structure of Presentation

Overview of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

Accessibility in the CRPD

Obligations arising from the CRPD

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CORE INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS INSTRUMENTS

1. International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights - 1966 2. International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural

Rights - 19663. Convention on the Elimination of All forms of Racial

Discrimination - 1965 4. Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination

against Women - 1979 5. Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or

Degrading Treatment or Punishment – 19846. Convention on the Rights of the Child - 19897. Convention on the protection of the Rights of All Migrants

Workers and members of Their Families - 1990

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The Convention making process

CRPD & Opt. Protocol opened for signature(May 2008)

Adoption by GA (Dec 2006)

only 5 years to elaborate, negotiate and adopt an

international HR treaty: fast process!

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Map of signatures and ratifications

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structure and content of the CRPD

50 articles

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Disability as a human rights issue

“results from the interaction between persons with impairments and attitudinal and environmental barriers .. ” (preamble)

“persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in society” (art.1)

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Accessibility = Enabling Measure

to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities… (art. 1)

importance of accessibility to the physical, social, economic and cultural environment (..) and to information and communication, in enabling persons with disabilities to fully enjoy all human rights and fundamental freedoms

(preamble)

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Article 3 – General Principles 1. Respect for inherent dignity, individual autonomy

including the freedom to make one's own choices, and independence of persons;

2. Non-discrimination; 3. Full and effective participation and inclusion

in society; 4. Respect for difference and acceptance of persons

with disabilities as part of human diversity and humanity;

5. Equality of opportunity; 6. Accessibility; 7. Equality between men and women; 8. Respect for the evolving capacities of children with

disabilities and respect for the right of children with disabilities to preserve their identities.

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Article 9 – Accessibility

Physical environment

Transportation

Information/Communication/Technologies

Public facilities and services

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Several other provisions

Art. 20 - Personal mobility Art. 21 – Freedom of expression and

opinion and access to information Art. 24 - Education Art. 26 - Habilitation and rehabilitation Art. 27 – Employment Art. 29 - Participation in public and

political life Art. 31 – Statistics and data collection Art. 32 – International cooperation

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Implementation

”adopt all appropriate legislative, administrative and other measures” (art. 4)

and specifically Standards and guidelines R&D for universal design R&D for ICTs Promote access to ICTS Training

Accessibility of private sector Affordability

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Where?

National level

International cooperation (art. 32)

And the United Nations?

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CONTACTS

www.ohchr.org, www. http://www2.ohchr.org/english/issues/disability/index.htm

Silvia Lavagnoli, +41 (0)22 9289586 and slavagnoli@ohchr.org