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The Convention

On July 30, 2009, the United States signed the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).  The CRPD is the first human rights convention of the 21st century and the first international treaty to address disability rights globally.  While the Convention does not establish new human rights, it does set out greater clarity of the obligations on States to promote, protect and ensure the rights of persons with disabilities.  

Article 3 of the CRPD sets out the General Principles that apply to the enjoyment of the rights of persons with disabilities:

  • 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
  • Respect for the evolving capacities of children with disabilities and respect for the right of children with disabilities to preserve their identities

As of December 2011, the Convention has 153 signatories and 108 countries have ratified the Convention. Key U.S. allies such as Australia, Canada, Mexico, New Zealand, South Korea, and many countries in Europe have already ratified the Convention. 

STATUS OF THE CRPD IN THE UNITED STATES

Following the signing of the treaty, the Administration is now conducting an inter-agency review process to prepare a CRPD transmission package for Senate consideration.  The Administration’s review includes an assessment of whether existing U.S. law is consistent with the requirements of the CRPD.  The United States has already established strong support for the rights of people with disabilities through the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and its 2008 amendments.  Once the Administration completes their review, they will transmit the CRPD package to Senate for consideration.  U.S. ratification of the Convention requires a “resolution of ratification” achieved by 2/3 support (67 supermajority vote) in Senate.