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Over five hundred million people, nearly 10 percent of the world’s population, have a disability.
Every
day, millions of people with disabilities are subjected to inhumane and
degrading treatment, including forced institutionalization and physical
abuse.
Existing legal protections are not sufficient to
safeguard the rights of people with disabilities, especially in
developing countries where approximately two thirds of people with
disabilities live.
Even in the few countries that have
passed comprehensive disability legislation, people with disabilities
still face mistreatment, discrimination and barriers to access and
inclusion in employment, housing, education, transportation, emergency
assistance and other services.
It’s time for change.
The
United Nations (UN) is currently negotiating a treaty, called the
"Comprehensive and Integral International Convention to Promote and
Protect the Rights and Dignity of Persons with Disabilities1,"
to ensure that human rights standards are extended to people with
disabilities. Please add your name to the online petition urging
government leaders to ratify a strong Convention. |
