The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD)

SAFEGUARDING FOUNDATIONS

The UNCRPD is the first human rights convention specifically for people with disabilities.

New Zealand signed the Convention in 2007 and ratified it in 2008.

It requires our nation to promote, protect and fulfil disabled people’s rights, including safety and non-discrimination.

The purpose of the UNCRPD is “to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities, and to promote respect for their inherent dignity.” 

“Persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.”

Reference: Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) | Division for Inclusive Social Development (DISD)

Whaikaha (the Ministry of Disabled People) comments that New Zealand was a leader in negotiating the Convention:

“We modelled the spirit of participation with disabled people, including by having representatives from the disability sector in delegations to the United Nations. Our experience with the first New Zealand Disability Strategy (2001) also helped inform our contributions to the negotiation.”

Reference: https://www.whaikaha.govt.nz/about-us/the-uncrpd/about-the-uncrpd

For your action: 

Become familiar with the UNCRPD and consider how you can uphold and promote its principles at your place. 

A summarised list of the principles is provided below.

Article 3 of the UNCRPD: General principles (summarised)

A black and white photo of a smiling man with his arms crossed in front of him.

The UNCRPD Agreement is about these principles:

  • Dignity 

  • Ability to choose 

  • Independence 

  • Non-discrimination 

  • Participation 

  • Full inclusion 

  • Respect for difference 

  • Acceptance of disability as part of everyday life 

  • Equality of opportunity 

  • Accessibility 

  • Equality of men and women 

  • Respect for children.

Read the General Obligations of the UNCRPD, and consider how you’ll protect and promote the human rights of disabled people in your organisation’s policies and programmes.

Find out more about the General Obligations, see Article 4, page 5.

Applying the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Enabling Good Lives principles