UN Convention on the rights of Persons with Disabilities

I should have picked up on this alot earlier. But anyway 20 coutries have ratified the Convention meaning it can enter into force so who are these twenty enlightened countries?

Bangladesh - 30 November 2007
Croatia - 15 August 2007
Cuba - 6 September 2007
Ecuador - 3 April 2008
El Salvador - 14 December 2007
Gabon - 1 October 2007
Guinea - 8 February 2008
Hungary - 20 July 2007
India - 1 October 2007
Jamaica - 30 March 2007
Jordan - 31 March 2008
Mexico - 17 December 2007
Namibia - 4 December 2007
Nicaragua - 7 December 2007
Panama - 7 August 2007
Peru - 30 January 2008
San Marino - 22 February 2008
South Africa - 30 November 2007
Spain - 3 December 2007
Tunisia - 2 April 2008

Now I must say some of these countries to not instantly spring to mind when thinking of countries that might sign up for it! Only one of the twenty seven EU Member States has ratified the Convention which was opened for signature over a year ago (30 March 2007).

Ireland signed the convention on the 30th of March last year, but there is still no sign of legislation forthcoming to allow us to ratify the treaty.

Here some information on the Convention. Links at the end of the post (As usual!)

There are eight guiding principles that underlie the Convention and each one of its specific articles:

* Respect for inherent dignity, individual autonomy including the freedom to make one's own choices, and independence of persons
* Non-discrimination
*Full and effective participation and inclusion in society
* Respect for difference and acceptance of persons with disabilities as part of human diversity and humanity
* Equality of opportunity
* Accessibility
* Equality between men and women
* espect for the evolving capacities of children with disabilities and respect for the right of children with disabilities to preserve their identities

The convention will become legally binding on 3 May.

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Links:
Secretary-General Ban hails entry into force of treaty on disability rights - UN News Centre
CONVENTION on the RIGHTS of PERSONS with DISABILITIES
List of Signatories and Ratifications - UNEnable