Diplomacy and disability

Practical information

• Composition of the Study Group
• Sabrina Tesoka (Administrator) / Eduardo Francozo (Assistant)
• Contacts

Background

The cornerstone of diplomacy with regard to combating discrimination against persons with disabilities is the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), which was adopted in 2006 and entered into force in 2008. The CRPD is the main international legal instrument protecting the rights of persons with disabilities; it lays down fundamental principles such as non-discrimination, full and effective participation in society, accessibility and equality of opportunity. In addition to the CRPD, the UN promotes initiatives through its Human Rights Council and ECOSOC.

Individually, many countries use diplomacy to negotiate the implementation of the CRPD, adopt their own national laws and cooperate with other countries to improve inclusion.

At multilateral level, the European Union signed the CRPD in 2011, and has since enacted a number of measures to ensure that persons with disabilities have equal rights and opportunities.