The UN’s disability treaty, the Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), seeks to protect the basic rights and human dignities of people with disabilities. The treaty also calls for all to be treated fairly; to not be discriminated against, and have to access to the same privileges as everyone else in society. The guiding principles of the Convention, establishes individual autonomy, protecting integrity, non-discrimination; equal opportunity, accessibility, gender equality, voting rights, and respect for children with disabilities.
The importance of this treaty’s ratification signifies the progression in defending citizens’ rights to fair treatment, opportunity, and freedom in a global community regardless of individual differences. If passed by the Senate, the United States will show its support and concern for disabled persons by reinforcing the rights that all people in society are entitled. To learn more about the UN’s Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, you can read about the treaty’s established Rights’ here.
The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) is slowly gaining momentum in the Senate as it prepares for its appearance in the 113th Congress. That being said, the CRPD has to win over a few more Senators before it can be ratified, and across the country disability advocates are doubling as dentists pulling the teeth of opposed senators.In a global effort to improve the quality of life and human rights for over 650 million people with disabilities in all countries; the United Nations has called on the international community to join in ratifying its’ universal treaty the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The New American Movement Team asks the senators charged with ratifying this treaty to look both critically at our legislative process and the ways in which ratifying this treaty will transform our international recognition, especially as it relates to how we recognize our most disenfranchised population. Ratifying the treaty is not about sacrificing our sovereignty – the UN’s Council on Disability is not seeking to override our domestic democratic process – the Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities is wholeheartedly seeking to recognize people with disabilities as equal global citizens. The ratification of CRPD is a message to our citizens with disabilities that they are valued, domestically and internationally.
2014
CRPD remains a continued pressing issue for people with disabilities. Ratification will reaffirm the protections made under the ADA and the New American Movement recommends immediate ratification of the CRPD during the 113th congress.
On January 7th 2014, The National Council on Disability sent a recent letter to Vice President Biden with regards to CRPD.
2013
According to the 2013 National Disability Policy progress report, there is anticipation that the Senate may again consider ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) this year. The NAMPWD supports the ratification because the CRPD offers a vital framework for creating legislation and policies around the world that embrace the human rights and dignity of all people with disabilities.
On September 17, 2013, the National Council on Disability (NCD) and the U.S. International Council on Disabilities (USICD) hosted an educational forum on the ratification of CRPD in Washington D.C.
2009
Joining 153 other countries in the agreement to ensure that human rights are protected for all disabled persons, the Obama Administration; signed the treaty in 2009. Across the nation, disability advocates and lobbyists have called for the administration to urge the U.S. government to grant final approval of the treaty’s ratification.
Initially, their efforts proved to be a success because the treaty was officially submitted by the President to be ratified by the US Senate in May 2011. However, their work was temporarily thwarted after the Senate failed to ratify the treaty on December 4th, 2012. It was a huge disappointment for disability advocates across the globe and for many in the Senate. Although it gained substantial bipartisanship support leading up to floor vote, many rescinded their endorsement at the last minute. The New American Movement continues to advocate for the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities by following its updates and encouraging our supporters to take action with us.
Please help the New American Movement, and contact your Senators by utilizing our action alert! You can also receive updates regarding the status of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities by clicking here. Additionally, the New American Movement team encourages our supporters to use social media to contact Senators! The U.S. International Council on Disabilities has a sheet on their website that includes each Senator’s phone, Twitter, and Facebook information.
Source:
. “The United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities.” Equality Human Rights. Equality and Human Rights Commission, n.d. Web. <http://www.equalityhumanrights.com/uploaded_files/publications/uncrpd_guide_easyread.pdf>.
“CRPD.” The National Council on Disability, n.d. Web. <http://www.ncd.gov/policy/CRPD>.
“National Disability Policy: A Progress Report – October 2013.” National Council on Disability, 31 Oct. 2013. Web. <http://www.ncd.gov/progress_reports/10312013>.