The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD): an instrument for

Disability Inclusive Development.

GPDD/HI training Mozambique –February 22, 2010Charlotte McClain-Nhlapo- Senior operations officer.

Disability, poverty and vulnerability Disability affects a significant proportion of the

world population (an estimated 10-12 percent); Disability is not a rare event, but rather a common

part of the life cycle; Exclusion from social and economic life affects

persons with disabilities; The relationship between poverty and disability is

significant; The MDGs cannot be achieved without addressing

the needs of people with disabilities; The ongoing financial crisis has negatively impacted

persons with disabilities.

CRPD: Milestones.

Negotiated by the AHC/GA in 8 sessions 2002-2006

Adopted by the UN GA - 13 December 2006 Opened for signature - 30 March 2007 Entered into force – 3rd May 2008(after 20

ratifications) 2 Conference of States Parties sessions to

date. Committee on the Rights of Persons with

Disabilities- in place. 144 signatories and 79 ratifications

CRPD: Relationship to other disability texts

It builds upon, and works in synergy with previous international texts related to persons with disabilities: Standard Rules on the Equalization of

Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities - 1994 (not a legally binding treaty)

World Programme of Action on Disabled Persons - 1982 (not a legally binding treaty)

The CRPD

Presents a comprehensive and pragmatic framework for disability inclusive development;

With it’s inclusive development mandate it stands to trigger the social inclusion of people with disabilities into mainstream society;

Today development practices by and large exclude persons with disabilities.

Heralds a new era in life not only for persons with disabilities, but also for everybody else in society.

What is unique about the CRPD?

Both a development and a human rights instrument

A policy instrument which is cross-disability and cross-sectoral

Requires States to set up national focal points to monitor implementation- Art.33

The first stand alone provision on international cooperation in a core UN human rights treaty- Art.32

Strong participation of the beneficiaries

CRPD: marks a paradigm shift… In attitudes and approaches to persons

with disabilities. That does not view persons with

disabilities as "objects" of charity but rather as "subjects" with rights, who are capable of claiming those rights and making decisions for their lives based on their free and informed consent as well as being active members of society.

It gives universal recognition to the dignity of persons with disabilities.

Embodies the concept of inclusive development

General Principles (Art. 3)

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

General Obligations:Participation & Inclusion

Participation of persons with disabilities is one of the General Principles.

It is required in the development and implementation of legislation and policies to implement the CRPD.

State shall consult and actively involve persons with disabilities including children with disabilities.

Full & effective participation & inclusion …

is recognized in various articles of the CRPD: In the Preamble (m) General principle (Art.3) General obligation (Art. 4) As rights (Art. 29 and 30) International cooperation (Art.32) National Implementation and monitoring

(Art.33) The Committee on the Rights of Persons

with Disabilities ( Art.34)

Article 32- ushers in a new thinking.

Requires that international cooperation and international development is inclusive and accessible to persons with disabilities.

Building capacity by exchange and sharingRecognizes the importance of south to

south/regional collaboration Recognizes a multi-dimensional process. Calls for cooperation in research and access and

technical knowledge.Provides for technical and economic assistance.

Calls for the transfer of technology ICTs

The CRPD Art. Linked to PARPAII.

Pillar 2Human capital

Art.24, 25, 26, 27

Pillar 3. Economic developm

ent

Art. 9, 28, 32,

Pillar 1Governan

ceArt. 13, 14, 29, 33, 34.

Three interconnected pillars

CRPD Provides a development oriented roadmap that:

Requires States to invest in persons with disabilities. Emphasizes the importance of mainstreaming disability

issues as an integral part of relevant strategies for sustainable development.

Recognizes that the full participation of persons with disabilities will result in significant advances in human , social, and economic development of society and the eradication of poverty.

Contributes to greater social equity, inclusion, and cohesion.

Recognizes that human capital formation, development, and maintenance is essential to break the cycle of poverty, deprivation, and social exclusion.

Disability inclusive development challenges:

A long road ahead Better data Make the development case for inclusion:

both with governments and with donors. Generate country based demand. Stay actively involved in development

policy dialogue, analytical work and projects.

Forge strategic alliances. It can be done!!!!