UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

[pompeyfaith]

The EU is also signed up to this Convention.

http://www.un.org/disabilities/default.asp?id=259

Interesting is Article 8 in that where does this sit with our Government and the reforms to disability welfare.

Article 8 - Awareness-raising

1. States Parties undertake to adopt immediate, effective and appropriate measures:

a) To raise awareness throughout society, including at the family level, regarding persons with disabilities, and to foster respect for the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities;
b) To combat stereotypes, prejudices and harmful practices relating to persons with disabilities, including those based on sex and age, in all areas of life;
c) To promote awareness of the capabilities and contributions of persons with disabilities.

2. Measures to this end include:

a) Initiating and maintaining effective public awareness campaigns designed:

1. To nurture receptiveness to the rights of persons with disabilities;
2. To promote positive perceptions and greater social awareness towards persons with disabilities;
3. To promote recognition of the skills, merits and abilities of persons with disabilities, and of their contributions to the workplace and the labour market;

b) Fostering at all levels of the education system, including in all children from an early age, an attitude of respect for the rights of persons with disabilities;
c) Encouraging all organs of the media to portray persons with disabilities in a manner consistent with the purpose of the present Convention;
d) Promoting awareness-training programmes regarding persons with disabilities and the rights of persons with disabilities.