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Qatar Ratifies CRPD, Bangladesh Accedes Optional Protocol
By Andrea Shettle, MSW | May 16, 2008
Qatar became the 26th nation to ratify the international disability rights treaty, the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), on May 13, the UN Enable web site has reported. In addition, Bangladesh has become the 16th nation to accede to the Optional Protocol. Bangladesh ratified the CRPD on November 30, 2007 but did not sign the Optional Protocol at that time. An additional 103 countries have signaled interest in ratifying the CRPD in the future; 55 of these nations have also signaled interest in ratifying the Optional Protocol.
The CRPD is the first international, legally binding human rights instrument to protect the human rights of people with disabilities. Most prior human rights instruments either did not address the unique concerns of people with disabilities or addressed disability through a medical or charity paradigm. The CRPD covers a wide range of human rights including the right to receive assistance during humanitarian disasters; equal recognition before the law; the right to live independently and in the community; the right to participate in recreational and sports activities; and many more.
People with disabilities who believe their rights have been violated under the CRPD can first pursue redress (compenstation or amends) through the usual means for justice within their own countries. However, if all domestic avenues fail, then people in countries that have ratified the Optional Protocol can bring a petition to the international Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The Committee can investigate grave or recurring violations of the CRPD.
Learn more about the Optional Protocol.
If you’re in the United States, consider persuading your organization to sign a letter to US Congress.
Not in the United States? Learn about the many ways YOU can become involved with the global campaign to ratify and implement the CRPD and Optional Protocol, in your country and elsewhere.
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May 16th, 2008 at 10:16 pm
[…] Autism Vox wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerpt Qatar became the 26th nation to ratify the international disability rights treaty, the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), on May 13, the UN Enable web site has reported. In addition, Bangladesh has become the 16th nation to accede to the Optional Protocol. Bangladesh ratified the CRPD on November 30, 2007 but did not sign the Optional Protocol at that time. An additional 103 countries have signaled interest in ratifying the CRPD in the future; 55 of these nation […]