Sheffield Centre For Independent Living

Last year the UK government ratified the United Nation Convention on the Rights of Disabled People. This forces UN member states to take active steps to ensure that the human rights of disabled people are respected.  It is a very important and powerful process that affects all disabled people.  It actively promotes equality and the inclusion of disabled people in society. The Convention, now signed, requires the UK government to change laws and policies, eliminate discrimination and actively consult with disabled people and their organizations.  It covers a range of rights, including; the right to life, freedom from inhumane and degrading treatment, respect for integrity, privacy, family life, access to information, health, education, work and living standards.  The Convention is based on the social model of disability and requires that disabling barriers and attitudes are removed.  However, the Convention is not enforced by going to court rather disabled people can use it as campaigning tool and make reference to it when challenging decisions and policies that affect our lives.  You can find out more about the Convention on the UN website at www.un.org/disabilities.