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CONVENTIONontheRIGHTS
ofPERSONSwith
DISABILITIES
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ConventionontheRightsofPersonswithDisabilities
Preamble
TheStatesPartiestothepresentConvention,
a.RecallingtheprinciplesproclaimedintheCharteroftheUnitedNationswhich
recognizetheinherentdignityandworthandtheequalandinalienablerights
ofallmembersofthehumanfamilyasthefoundationoffreedom,justice
andpeaceintheworld,
b.RecognizingthattheUnitedNations,intheUniversalDeclarationofHuman
RightsandintheInternationalCovenantsonHumanRights,hasproclaimed
andagreedthateveryoneisentitledtoalltherightsandfreedomssetforth
therein,withoutdistinctionofanykind,
c.Reaffirmingtheuniversality,indivisibility,interdependenceand
interrelatednessofallhumanrightsandfundamentalfreedomsandtheneed
forpersonswithdisabilitiestobeguaranteedtheirfullenjoymentwithout
discrimination,
d.RecallingtheInternationalCovenantonEconomic,SocialandCulturalRights,
theInternationalCovenantonCivilandPoliticalRights,theInternational
ConventionontheEliminationofAllFormsofRacialDiscrimination,the
ConventionontheEliminationofAllFormsofDiscriminationagainstWomen,
theConventionagainstTortureandOtherCruel,InhumanorDegrading
TreatmentorPunishment,theConventionontheRightsoftheChild,andthe
InternationalConventionontheProtectionoftheRightsofAllMigrant
WorkersandMembersofTheirFamilies,
e.Recognizingthatdisabilityisanevolvingconceptandthatdisabilityresults
fromtheinteractionbetweenpersonswithimpairmentsandattitudinaland
environmentalbarriersthathinderstheirfullandeffectiveparticipationin
societyonanequalbasiswithothers,
f.Recognizingtheimportanceoftheprinciplesandpolicyguidelinescontained
intheWorldProgrammeofActionconcerningDisabledPersonsandinthe
StandardRulesontheEqualizationofOpportunitiesforPersonswith
Disabilitiesininfluencingthepromotion,formulationandevaluationofthe
policies,plans,programmesandactionsatthenational,regionaland
internationallevelstofurtherequalizeopportunitiesforpersonswith
disabilities,
g.Emphasizingtheimportanceofmainstreamingdisabilityissuesasanintegral
partofrelevantstrategiesofsustainabledevelopment,
h.Recognizingalsothatdiscriminationagainstanypersononthebasisof
disabilityisaviolationoftheinherentdignityandworthofthehuman
person,
i.Recognizingfurtherthediversityofpersonswithdisabilities,
j.Recognizingtheneedtopromoteandprotectthehumanrightsofallpersons
withdisabilities,includingthosewhorequiremoreintensivesupport,

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k.Concernedthat,despitethesevariousinstrumentsandundertakings,
personswithdisabilitiescontinuetofacebarriersintheirparticipationas
equalmembersofsocietyandviolationsoftheirhumanrightsinallpartsof
theworld,
l.Recognizingtheimportanceofinternationalcooperationforimprovingthe
livingconditionsofpersonswithdisabilitiesineverycountry,particularlyin
developingcountries,
m.Recognizingthevaluedexistingandpotentialcontributionsmadebypersons
withdisabilitiestotheoverallwellbeinganddiversityoftheircommunities,
andthatthepromotionofthefullenjoymentbypersonswithdisabilitiesof
theirhumanrightsandfundamentalfreedomsandoffullparticipationby
personswithdisabilitieswillresultintheirenhancedsenseofbelongingand
insignificantadvancesinthehuman,socialandeconomicdevelopmentof
societyandtheeradicationofpoverty,
n.Recognizingtheimportanceforpersonswithdisabilitiesoftheirindividual
autonomyandindependence,includingthefreedomtomaketheirown
choices,
o.Consideringthatpersonswithdisabilitiesshouldhavetheopportunitytobe
activelyinvolvedindecisionmakingprocessesaboutpoliciesand
programmes,includingthosedirectlyconcerningthem,
p.Concernedaboutthedifficultconditionsfacedbypersonswithdisabilities
whoaresubjecttomultipleoraggravatedformsofdiscriminationonthe
basisofrace,colour,sex,language,religion,politicalorotheropinion,
national,ethnic,indigenousorsocialorigin,property,birth,ageorother
status,
q.Recognizingthatwomenandgirlswithdisabilitiesareoftenatgreaterrisk,
bothwithinandoutsidethehomeofviolence,injuryorabuse,neglector
negligenttreatment,maltreatmentorexploitation,
r.Recognizingthatchildrenwithdisabilitiesshouldhavefullenjoymentofall
humanrightsandfundamentalfreedomsonanequalbasiswithother
children,andrecallingobligationstothatendundertakenbyStatesPartiesto
theConventionontheRightsoftheChild,
s.Emphasizingtheneedtoincorporateagenderperspectiveinalleffortsto
promotethefullenjoymentofhumanrightsandfundamentalfreedomsby
personswithdisabilities,
t.Highlightingthefactthatthemajorityofpersonswithdisabilitieslivein
conditionsofpoverty,andinthisregardrecognizingthecriticalneedto
addressthenegativeimpactofpovertyonpersonswithdisabilities,
u.Bearinginmindthatconditionsofpeaceandsecuritybasedonfullrespect
forthepurposesandprinciplescontainedintheCharteroftheUnited
Nationsandobservanceofapplicablehumanrightsinstrumentsare
indispensableforthefullprotectionofpersonswithdisabilities,inparticular
duringarmedconflictsandforeignoccupation,
v.Recognizingtheimportanceofaccessibilitytothephysical,social,economic
andculturalenvironment,tohealthandeducationandtoinformationand
communication,inenablingpersonswithdisabilitiestofullyenjoyallhuman
rightsandfundamentalfreedoms,
w.Realizingthattheindividual,havingdutiestootherindividualsandtothe
communitytowhichheorshebelongs,isunderaresponsibilitytostrivefor
thepromotionandobservanceoftherightsrecognizedintheInternational
BillofHumanRights,
x.Convincedthatthefamilyisthenaturalandfundamentalgroupunitof
societyandisentitledtoprotectionbysocietyandtheState,andthat
personswithdisabilitiesandtheirfamilymembersshouldreceivethe
necessaryprotectionandassistancetoenablefamiliestocontributetowards
thefullandequalenjoymentoftherightsofpersonswithdisabilities,
y.Convincedthatacomprehensiveandintegralinternationalconventionto
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promoteandprotecttherightsanddignityofpersonswithdisabilitieswill
makeasignificantcontributiontoredressingtheprofoundsocial
disadvantageofpersonswithdisabilitiesandpromotetheirparticipationin
thecivil,political,economic,socialandculturalsphereswithequal
opportunities,inbothdevelopinganddevelopedcountries,
Haveagreedasfollows:
Backtotop

Article1Purpose
ThepurposeofthepresentConventionistopromote,protectandensurethefull
andequalenjoymentofallhumanrightsandfundamentalfreedomsbyall
personswithdisabilities,andtopromoterespectfortheirinherentdignity.

Personswithdisabilitiesincludethosewhohavelongtermphysical,mental,
intellectualorsensoryimpairmentswhichininteractionwithvariousbarriersmay
hindertheirfullandeffectiveparticipationinsocietyonanequalbasiswith
others.
Backtotop

Article2Definitions
ForthepurposesofthepresentConvention:
"Communication"includeslanguages,displayoftext,Braille,tactile
communication,largeprint,accessiblemultimediaaswellaswritten,audio,
plainlanguage,humanreaderandaugmentativeandalternativemodes,
meansandformatsofcommunication,includingaccessibleinformationand
communicationtechnology
"Language"includesspokenandsignedlanguagesandotherformsofnon
spokenlanguages
"Discriminationonthebasisofdisability"meansanydistinction,exclusionor
restrictiononthebasisofdisabilitywhichhasthepurposeoreffectof
impairingornullifyingtherecognition,enjoymentorexercise,onanequal
basiswithothers,ofallhumanrightsandfundamentalfreedomsinthe
political,economic,social,cultural,civiloranyotherfield.Itincludesall
formsofdiscrimination,includingdenialofreasonableaccommodation
"Reasonableaccommodation"meansnecessaryandappropriatemodification
andadjustmentsnotimposingadisproportionateorundueburden,where
neededinaparticularcase,toensuretopersonswithdisabilitiesthe
enjoymentorexerciseonanequalbasiswithothersofallhumanrightsand
fundamentalfreedoms
"Universaldesign"meansthedesignofproducts,environments,programmes
andservicestobeusablebyallpeople,tothegreatestextentpossible,
withouttheneedforadaptationorspecializeddesign.Universaldesign
shallnotexcludeassistivedevicesforparticulargroupsofpersonswith
disabilitieswherethisisneeded.
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Backtotop

Article3Generalprinciples
TheprinciplesofthepresentConventionshallbe:
a.Respectforinherentdignity,individualautonomyincludingthefreedomto
makeonesownchoices,andindependenceofpersons
b.Nondiscrimination
c.Fullandeffectiveparticipationandinclusioninsociety
d.Respectfordifferenceandacceptanceofpersonswithdisabilitiesaspartof
humandiversityandhumanity
e.Equalityofopportunity
f.Accessibility
g.Equalitybetweenmenandwomen
h.Respectfortheevolvingcapacitiesofchildrenwithdisabilitiesandrespectfor
therightofchildrenwithdisabilitiestopreservetheiridentities.
Backtotop

Article4Generalobligations
1.StatesPartiesundertaketoensureandpromotethefullrealizationofall
humanrightsandfundamentalfreedomsforallpersonswithdisabilitieswithout
discriminationofanykindonthebasisofdisability.Tothisend,StatesParties
undertake:
a.Toadoptallappropriatelegislative,administrativeandothermeasuresfor
theimplementationoftherightsrecognizedinthepresentConvention
b.Totakeallappropriatemeasures,includinglegislation,tomodifyorabolish
existinglaws,regulations,customsandpracticesthatconstitute
discriminationagainstpersonswithdisabilities
c.Totakeintoaccounttheprotectionandpromotionofthehumanrightsof
personswithdisabilitiesinallpoliciesandprogrammes
d.Torefrainfromengaginginanyactorpracticethatisinconsistentwiththe
presentConventionandtoensurethatpublicauthoritiesandinstitutionsact
inconformitywiththepresentConvention
e.Totakeallappropriatemeasurestoeliminatediscriminationonthebasisof
disabilitybyanyperson,organizationorprivateenterprise
f.Toundertakeorpromoteresearchanddevelopmentofuniversallydesigned
goods,services,equipmentandfacilities,asdefinedinarticle2ofthe
presentConvention,whichshouldrequiretheminimumpossibleadaptation
andtheleastcosttomeetthespecificneedsofapersonwithdisabilities,to
promotetheiravailabilityanduse,andtopromoteuniversaldesigninthe
developmentofstandardsandguidelines
g.Toundertakeorpromoteresearchanddevelopmentof,andtopromotethe
availabilityanduseofnewtechnologies,includinginformationand
communicationstechnologies,mobilityaids,devicesandassistive
technologies,suitableforpersonswithdisabilities,givingpriorityto
technologiesatanaffordablecost
h.Toprovideaccessibleinformationtopersonswithdisabilitiesaboutmobility
aids,devicesandassistivetechnologies,includingnewtechnologies,aswell
asotherformsofassistance,supportservicesandfacilities
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i.Topromotethetrainingofprofessionalsandstaffworkingwithpersonswith
disabilitiesintherightsrecognizedinthisConventionsoastobetterprovide
theassistanceandservicesguaranteedbythoserights.
2.Withregardtoeconomic,socialandculturalrights,eachStateParty
undertakestotakemeasurestothemaximumofitsavailableresourcesand,
whereneeded,withintheframeworkofinternationalcooperation,withaviewto
achievingprogressivelythefullrealizationoftheserights,withoutprejudiceto
thoseobligationscontainedinthepresentConventionthatareimmediately
applicableaccordingtointernationallaw.

3.Inthedevelopmentandimplementationoflegislationandpoliciesto
implementthepresentConvention,andinotherdecisionmakingprocesses
concerningissuesrelatingtopersonswithdisabilities,StatesPartiesshallclosely
consultwithandactivelyinvolvepersonswithdisabilities,includingchildrenwith
disabilities,throughtheirrepresentativeorganizations.

4.NothinginthepresentConventionshallaffectanyprovisionswhicharemore
conducivetotherealizationoftherightsofpersonswithdisabilitiesandwhich
maybecontainedinthelawofaStatePartyorinternationallawinforceforthat
State.Thereshallbenorestrictionuponorderogationfromanyofthehuman
rightsandfundamentalfreedomsrecognizedorexistinginanyStatePartytothe
presentConventionpursuanttolaw,conventions,regulationorcustomonthe
pretextthatthepresentConventiondoesnotrecognizesuchrightsorfreedoms
orthatitrecognizesthemtoalesserextent.

5.TheprovisionsofthepresentConventionshallextendtoallpartsoffederal
stateswithoutanylimitationsorexceptions.
Backtotop

Article5Equalityandnondiscrimination
1.StatesPartiesrecognizethatallpersonsareequalbeforeandunderthelaw
andareentitledwithoutanydiscriminationtotheequalprotectionandequal
benefitofthelaw.

2.StatesPartiesshallprohibitalldiscriminationonthebasisofdisabilityand
guaranteetopersonswithdisabilitiesequalandeffectivelegalprotectionagainst
discriminationonallgrounds.

3.Inordertopromoteequalityandeliminatediscrimination,StatesPartiesshall
takeallappropriatestepstoensurethatreasonableaccommodationisprovided.

4.Specificmeasureswhicharenecessarytoaccelerateorachievedefacto
equalityofpersonswithdisabilitiesshallnotbeconsidereddiscriminationunder
thetermsofthepresentConvention.
Backtotop

Article6Womenwithdisabilities
1.StatesPartiesrecognizethatwomenandgirlswithdisabilitiesaresubjectto
multiplediscrimination,andinthisregardshalltakemeasurestoensurethefull 5/26
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multiplediscrimination,andinthisregardshalltakemeasurestoensurethefull
andequalenjoymentbythemofallhumanrightsandfundamentalfreedoms.

2.StatesPartiesshalltakeallappropriatemeasurestoensurethefull
development,advancementandempowermentofwomen,forthepurposeof
guaranteeingthemtheexerciseandenjoymentofthehumanrightsand
fundamentalfreedomssetoutinthepresentConvention.
Backtotop

Article7Childrenwithdisabilities
1.StatesPartiesshalltakeallnecessarymeasurestoensurethefullenjoyment
bychildrenwithdisabilitiesofallhumanrightsandfundamentalfreedomsonan
equalbasiswithotherchildren.

2.Inallactionsconcerningchildrenwithdisabilities,thebestinterestsofthe
childshallbeaprimaryconsideration.

3.StatesPartiesshallensurethatchildrenwithdisabilitieshavetherightto
expresstheirviewsfreelyonallmattersaffectingthem,theirviewsbeinggiven
dueweightinaccordancewiththeirageandmaturity,onanequalbasiswith
otherchildren,andtobeprovidedwithdisabilityandageappropriateassistance
torealizethatright.
Backtotop

Article8Awarenessraising
1.StatesPartiesundertaketoadoptimmediate,effectiveandappropriate
measures:
a.Toraiseawarenessthroughoutsociety,includingatthefamilylevel,
regardingpersonswithdisabilities,andtofosterrespectfortherightsand
dignityofpersonswithdisabilities
b.Tocombatstereotypes,prejudicesandharmfulpracticesrelatingtopersons
withdisabilities,includingthosebasedonsexandage,inallareasoflife
c.Topromoteawarenessofthecapabilitiesandcontributionsofpersonswith
disabilities.
Measurestothisendinclude:
a.Initiatingandmaintainingeffectivepublicawarenesscampaignsdesigned:
i.Tonurturereceptivenesstotherightsofpersonswithdisabilities
ii.Topromotepositiveperceptionsandgreatersocialawarenesstowards
personswithdisabilities
iii.Topromoterecognitionoftheskills,meritsandabilitiesofpersons
withdisabilities,andoftheircontributionstotheworkplaceandthe
labourmarket
b.Fosteringatalllevelsoftheeducationsystem,includinginallchildrenfrom
anearlyage,anattitudeofrespectfortherightsofpersonswithdisabilities
c.Encouragingallorgansofthemediatoportraypersonswithdisabilitiesina
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mannerconsistentwiththepurposeofthepresentConvention
d.Promotingawarenesstrainingprogrammesregardingpersonswith
disabilitiesandtherightsofpersonswithdisabilities.
Backtotop

Article9Accessibility
1.Toenablepersonswithdisabilitiestoliveindependentlyandparticipatefullyin
allaspectsoflife,StatesPartiesshalltakeappropriatemeasurestoensureto
personswithdisabilitiesaccess,onanequalbasiswithothers,tothephysical
environment,totransportation,toinformationandcommunications,including
informationandcommunicationstechnologiesandsystems,andtootherfacilities
andservicesopenorprovidedtothepublic,bothinurbanandinruralareas.
Thesemeasures,whichshallincludetheidentificationandeliminationof
obstaclesandbarrierstoaccessibility,shallapplyto,interalia:
a.Buildings,roads,transportationandotherindoorandoutdoorfacilities,
includingschools,housing,medicalfacilitiesandworkplaces
b.Information,communicationsandotherservices,includingelectronic
servicesandemergencyservices.
2.StatesPartiesshallalsotakeappropriatemeasuresto:
a.Develop,promulgateandmonitortheimplementationofminimumstandards
andguidelinesfortheaccessibilityoffacilitiesandservicesopenorprovided
tothepublic
b.Ensurethatprivateentitiesthatofferfacilitiesandserviceswhichareopenor
providedtothepublictakeintoaccountallaspectsofaccessibilityfor
personswithdisabilities
c.Providetrainingforstakeholdersonaccessibilityissuesfacingpersonswith
disabilities
d.ProvideinbuildingsandotherfacilitiesopentothepublicsignageinBraille
andineasytoreadandunderstandforms
e.Provideformsofliveassistanceandintermediaries,includingguides,readers
andprofessionalsignlanguageinterpreters,tofacilitateaccessibilityto
buildingsandotherfacilitiesopentothepublic
f.Promoteotherappropriateformsofassistanceandsupporttopersonswith
disabilitiestoensuretheiraccesstoinformation
g.Promoteaccessforpersonswithdisabilitiestonewinformationand
communicationstechnologiesandsystems,includingtheInternet
h.Promotethedesign,development,productionanddistributionofaccessible
informationandcommunicationstechnologiesandsystemsatanearlystage,
sothatthesetechnologiesandsystemsbecomeaccessibleatminimumcost.
Backtotop

Article10Righttolife
StatesPartiesreaffirmthateveryhumanbeinghastheinherentrighttolifeand
shalltakeallnecessarymeasurestoensureitseffectiveenjoymentbypersons
withdisabilitiesonanequalbasiswithothers.
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Backtotop

Article11Situationsofriskandhumanitarianemergencies
StatesPartiesshalltake,inaccordancewiththeirobligationsunderinternational
law,includinginternationalhumanitarianlawandinternationalhumanrightslaw,
allnecessarymeasurestoensuretheprotectionandsafetyofpersonswith
disabilitiesinsituationsofrisk,includingsituationsofarmedconflict,
humanitarianemergenciesandtheoccurrenceofnaturaldisasters.
Backtotop

Article12Equalrecognitionbeforethelaw
1.StatesPartiesreaffirmthatpersonswithdisabilitieshavetherightto
recognitioneverywhereaspersonsbeforethelaw.

2.StatesPartiesshallrecognizethatpersonswithdisabilitiesenjoylegalcapacity
onanequalbasiswithothersinallaspectsoflife.

3.StatesPartiesshalltakeappropriatemeasurestoprovideaccessbypersons
withdisabilitiestothesupporttheymayrequireinexercisingtheirlegalcapacity.

4.StatesPartiesshallensurethatallmeasuresthatrelatetotheexerciseoflegal
capacityprovideforappropriateandeffectivesafeguardstopreventabusein
accordancewithinternationalhumanrightslaw.Suchsafeguardsshallensure
thatmeasuresrelatingtotheexerciseoflegalcapacityrespecttherights,will
andpreferencesoftheperson,arefreeofconflictofinterestandundue
influence,areproportionalandtailoredtothepersonscircumstances,applyfor
theshortesttimepossibleandaresubjecttoregularreviewbyacompetent,
independentandimpartialauthorityorjudicialbody.Thesafeguardsshallbe
proportionaltothedegreetowhichsuchmeasuresaffectthepersonsrightsand
interests.

5.Subjecttotheprovisionsofthisarticle,StatesPartiesshalltakeallappropriate
andeffectivemeasurestoensuretheequalrightofpersonswithdisabilitiesto
ownorinheritproperty,tocontroltheirownfinancialaffairsandtohaveequal
accesstobankloans,mortgagesandotherformsoffinancialcredit,andshall
ensurethatpersonswithdisabilitiesarenotarbitrarilydeprivedoftheirproperty.
Backtotop

Article13Accesstojustice
1.StatesPartiesshallensureeffectiveaccesstojusticeforpersonswith
disabilitiesonanequalbasiswithothers,includingthroughtheprovisionof
proceduralandageappropriateaccommodations,inordertofacilitatetheir
effectiveroleasdirectandindirectparticipants,includingaswitnesses,inall
legalproceedings,includingatinvestigativeandotherpreliminarystages.

2.Inordertohelptoensureeffectiveaccesstojusticeforpersonswith
disabilities,StatesPartiesshallpromoteappropriatetrainingforthoseworkingin 8/26
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disabilities,StatesPartiesshallpromoteappropriatetrainingforthoseworkingin
thefieldofadministrationofjustice,includingpoliceandprisonstaff.
Backtotop

Article14Libertyandsecurityoftheperson
1.StatesPartiesshallensurethatpersonswithdisabilities,onanequalbasis
withothers:
a.Enjoytherighttolibertyandsecurityofperson
b.Arenotdeprivedoftheirlibertyunlawfullyorarbitrarily,andthatany
deprivationoflibertyisinconformitywiththelaw,andthattheexistenceof
adisabilityshallinnocasejustifyadeprivationofliberty.
2.StatesPartiesshallensurethatifpersonswithdisabilitiesaredeprivedoftheir
libertythroughanyprocess,theyare,onanequalbasiswithothers,entitledto
guaranteesinaccordancewithinternationalhumanrightslawandshallbe
treatedincompliancewiththeobjectivesandprinciplesofthisConvention,
includingbyprovisionofreasonableaccommodation.
Backtotop

Article15Freedomfromtortureorcruel,inhumanordegrading
treatmentorpunishment
1.Nooneshallbesubjectedtotortureortocruel,inhumanordegrading
treatmentorpunishment.Inparticular,nooneshallbesubjectedwithouthisor
herfreeconsenttomedicalorscientificexperimentation.

2.StatesPartiesshalltakealleffectivelegislative,administrative,judicialor
othermeasurestopreventpersonswithdisabilities,onanequalbasiswith
others,frombeingsubjectedtotortureorcruel,inhumanordegradingtreatment
orpunishment.
Backtotop

Article16Freedomfromexploitation,violenceandabuse
1.StatesPartiesshalltakeallappropriatelegislative,administrative,social,
educationalandothermeasurestoprotectpersonswithdisabilities,bothwithin
andoutsidethehome,fromallformsofexploitation,violenceandabuse,
includingtheirgenderbasedaspects.

2.StatesPartiesshallalsotakeallappropriatemeasurestopreventallformsof
exploitation,violenceandabusebyensuring,interalia,appropriateformsof
genderandagesensitiveassistanceandsupportforpersonswithdisabilities
andtheirfamiliesandcaregivers,includingthroughtheprovisionofinformation
andeducationonhowtoavoid,recognizeandreportinstancesofexploitation,
violenceandabuse.StatesPartiesshallensurethatprotectionservicesareage,
genderanddisabilitysensitive.
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genderanddisabilitysensitive.

3.Inordertopreventtheoccurrenceofallformsofexploitation,violenceand
abuse,StatesPartiesshallensurethatallfacilitiesandprogrammesdesignedto
servepersonswithdisabilitiesareeffectivelymonitoredbyindependent
authorities.

4.StatesPartiesshalltakeallappropriatemeasurestopromotethephysical,
cognitiveandpsychologicalrecovery,rehabilitationandsocialreintegrationof
personswithdisabilitieswhobecomevictimsofanyformofexploitation,violence
orabuse,includingthroughtheprovisionofprotectionservices.Suchrecovery
andreintegrationshalltakeplaceinanenvironmentthatfostersthehealth,
welfare,selfrespect,dignityandautonomyofthepersonandtakesintoaccount
genderandagespecificneeds.

5.StatesPartiesshallputinplaceeffectivelegislationandpolicies,including
womenandchildfocusedlegislationandpolicies,toensurethatinstancesof
exploitation,violenceandabuseagainstpersonswithdisabilitiesareidentified,
investigatedand,whereappropriate,prosecuted.
Backtotop

Article17Protectingtheintegrityoftheperson
Everypersonwithdisabilitieshasarighttorespectforhisorherphysicaland
mentalintegrityonanequalbasiswithothers.
Backtotop

Article18Libertyofmovementandnationality
1.StatesPartiesshallrecognizetherightsofpersonswithdisabilitiestolibertyof
movement,tofreedomtochoosetheirresidenceandtoanationality,onanequal
basiswithothers,includingbyensuringthatpersonswithdisabilities:
a.Havetherighttoacquireandchangeanationalityandarenotdeprivedof
theirnationalityarbitrarilyoronthebasisofdisability
b.Arenotdeprived,onthebasisofdisability,oftheirabilitytoobtain,possess
andutilizedocumentationoftheirnationalityorotherdocumentationof
identification,ortoutilizerelevantprocessessuchasimmigration
proceedings,thatmaybeneededtofacilitateexerciseoftherighttoliberty
ofmovement
c.Arefreetoleaveanycountry,includingtheirown
d.Arenotdeprived,arbitrarilyoronthebasisofdisability,oftherighttoenter
theirowncountry.
2.Childrenwithdisabilitiesshallberegisteredimmediatelyafterbirthandshall
havetherightfrombirthtoaname,therighttoacquireanationalityand,asfar
aspossible,therighttoknowandbecaredforbytheirparents.
Backtotop
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Article19Livingindependentlyandbeingincludedinthecommunity
StatesPartiestothisConventionrecognizetheequalrightofallpersonswith
disabilitiestoliveinthecommunity,withchoicesequaltoothers,andshalltake
effectiveandappropriatemeasurestofacilitatefullenjoymentbypersonswith
disabilitiesofthisrightandtheirfullinclusionandparticipationinthecommunity,
includingbyensuringthat:
a.Personswithdisabilitieshavetheopportunitytochoosetheirplaceof
residenceandwhereandwithwhomtheyliveonanequalbasiswithothers
andarenotobligedtoliveinaparticularlivingarrangement
b.Personswithdisabilitieshaveaccesstoarangeofinhome,residentialand
othercommunitysupportservices,includingpersonalassistancenecessary
tosupportlivingandinclusioninthecommunity,andtopreventisolationor
segregationfromthecommunity
c.Communityservicesandfacilitiesforthegeneralpopulationareavailableon
anequalbasistopersonswithdisabilitiesandareresponsivetotheirneeds.
Backtotop

Article20Personalmobility
StatesPartiesshalltakeeffectivemeasurestoensurepersonalmobilitywiththe
greatestpossibleindependenceforpersonswithdisabilities,includingby:
a.Facilitatingthepersonalmobilityofpersonswithdisabilitiesinthemanner
andatthetimeoftheirchoice,andataffordablecost
b.Facilitatingaccessbypersonswithdisabilitiestoqualitymobilityaids,
devices,assistivetechnologiesandformsofliveassistanceand
intermediaries,includingbymakingthemavailableataffordablecost
c.Providingtraininginmobilityskillstopersonswithdisabilitiesandto
specialiststaffworkingwithpersonswithdisabilities
d.Encouragingentitiesthatproducemobilityaids,devicesandassistive
technologiestotakeintoaccountallaspectsofmobilityforpersonswith
disabilities.
Backtotop

Article21Freedomofexpressionandopinion,andaccessto
information
StatesPartiesshalltakeallappropriatemeasurestoensurethatpersonswith
disabilitiescanexercisetherighttofreedomofexpressionandopinion,including
thefreedomtoseek,receiveandimpartinformationandideasonanequalbasis
withothersandthroughallformsofcommunicationoftheirchoice,asdefinedin
article2ofthepresentConvention,includingby:
a.Providinginformationintendedforthegeneralpublictopersonswith
disabilitiesinaccessibleformatsandtechnologiesappropriatetodifferent
kindsofdisabilitiesinatimelymannerandwithoutadditionalcost
b.Acceptingandfacilitatingtheuseofsignlanguages,Braille,augmentative
andalternativecommunication,andallotheraccessiblemeans,modesand
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formatsofcommunicationoftheirchoicebypersonswithdisabilitiesin
officialinteractions
c.Urgingprivateentitiesthatprovideservicestothegeneralpublic,including
throughtheInternet,toprovideinformationandservicesinaccessibleand
usableformatsforpersonswithdisabilities
d.Encouragingthemassmedia,includingprovidersofinformationthroughthe
Internet,tomaketheirservicesaccessibletopersonswithdisabilities
e.Recognizingandpromotingtheuseofsignlanguages.
Backtotop

Article22Respectforprivacy
1.Nopersonwithdisabilities,regardlessofplaceofresidenceorliving
arrangements,shallbesubjectedtoarbitraryorunlawfulinterferencewithhisor
herprivacy,family,homeorcorrespondenceorothertypesofcommunicationor
tounlawfulattacksonhisorherhonourandreputation.Personswithdisabilities
havetherighttotheprotectionofthelawagainstsuchinterferenceorattacks.

2.StatesPartiesshallprotecttheprivacyofpersonal,healthandrehabilitation
informationofpersonswithdisabilitiesonanequalbasiswithothers.
Backtotop

Article23Respectforhomeandthefamily
1.StatesPartiesshalltakeeffectiveandappropriatemeasurestoeliminate
discriminationagainstpersonswithdisabilitiesinallmattersrelatingtomarriage,
family,parenthoodandrelationships,onanequalbasiswithothers,soasto
ensurethat:
a.Therightofallpersonswithdisabilitieswhoareofmarriageableageto
marryandtofoundafamilyonthebasisoffreeandfullconsentofthe
intendingspousesisrecognized
b.Therightsofpersonswithdisabilitiestodecidefreelyandresponsiblyonthe
numberandspacingoftheirchildrenandtohaveaccesstoageappropriate
information,reproductiveandfamilyplanningeducationarerecognized,and
themeansnecessarytoenablethemtoexercisetheserightsareprovided
c.Personswithdisabilities,includingchildren,retaintheirfertilityonanequal
basiswithothers.
2.StatesPartiesshallensuretherightsandresponsibilitiesofpersonswith
disabilities,withregardtoguardianship,wardship,trusteeship,adoptionof
childrenorsimilarinstitutions,wheretheseconceptsexistinnationallegislation
inallcasesthebestinterestsofthechildshallbeparamount.StatesPartiesshall
renderappropriateassistancetopersonswithdisabilitiesintheperformanceof
theirchildrearingresponsibilities.

3.StatesPartiesshallensurethatchildrenwithdisabilitieshaveequalrightswith
respecttofamilylife.Withaviewtorealizingtheserights,andtoprevent
concealment,abandonment,neglectandsegregationofchildrenwithdisabilities,
StatesPartiesshallundertaketoprovideearlyandcomprehensiveinformation,
servicesandsupporttochildrenwithdisabilitiesandtheirfamilies.

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4.StatesPartiesshallensurethatachildshallnotbeseparatedfromhisorher
parentsagainsttheirwill,exceptwhencompetentauthoritiessubjecttojudicial
reviewdetermine,inaccordancewithapplicablelawandprocedures,thatsuch
separationisnecessaryforthebestinterestsofthechild.Innocaseshallachild
beseparatedfromparentsonthebasisofadisabilityofeitherthechildoroneor
bothoftheparents.

5.StatesPartiesshall,wheretheimmediatefamilyisunabletocareforachild
withdisabilities,undertakeeveryefforttoprovidealternativecarewithinthe
widerfamily,andfailingthat,withinthecommunityinafamilysetting.
Backtotop

Article24Education
1.StatesPartiesrecognizetherightofpersonswithdisabilitiestoeducation.
Withaviewtorealizingthisrightwithoutdiscriminationandonthebasisofequal
opportunity,StatesPartiesshallensureaninclusiveeducationsystematalllevels
andlifelonglearningdirectedto:
a.Thefulldevelopmentofhumanpotentialandsenseofdignityandselfworth,
andthestrengtheningofrespectforhumanrights,fundamentalfreedoms
andhumandiversity
b.Thedevelopmentbypersonswithdisabilitiesoftheirpersonality,talentsand
creativity,aswellastheirmentalandphysicalabilities,totheirfullest
potential
c.Enablingpersonswithdisabilitiestoparticipateeffectivelyinafreesociety.
2.Inrealizingthisright,StatesPartiesshallensurethat:
a.Personswithdisabilitiesarenotexcludedfromthegeneraleducationsystem
onthebasisofdisability,andthatchildrenwithdisabilitiesarenotexcluded
fromfreeandcompulsoryprimaryeducation,orfromsecondaryeducation,
onthebasisofdisability
b.Personswithdisabilitiescanaccessaninclusive,qualityandfreeprimary
educationandsecondaryeducationonanequalbasiswithothersinthe
communitiesinwhichtheylive
c.Reasonableaccommodationoftheindividualsrequirementsisprovided
d.Personswithdisabilitiesreceivethesupportrequired,withinthegeneral
educationsystem,tofacilitatetheireffectiveeducation
e.Effectiveindividualizedsupportmeasuresareprovidedinenvironmentsthat
maximizeacademicandsocialdevelopment,consistentwiththegoaloffull
inclusion.
3.StatesPartiesshallenablepersonswithdisabilitiestolearnlifeandsocial
developmentskillstofacilitatetheirfullandequalparticipationineducationand
asmembersofthecommunity.Tothisend,StatesPartiesshalltakeappropriate
measures,including:
a.FacilitatingthelearningofBraille,alternativescript,augmentativeand
alternativemodes,meansandformatsofcommunicationandorientationand
mobilityskills,andfacilitatingpeersupportandmentoring
b.Facilitatingthelearningofsignlanguageandthepromotionofthelinguistic
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identityofthedeafcommunity
c.Ensuringthattheeducationofpersons,andinparticularchildren,whoare
blind,deafordeafblind,isdeliveredinthemostappropriatelanguagesand
modesandmeansofcommunicationfortheindividual,andinenvironments
whichmaximizeacademicandsocialdevelopment.
4.Inordertohelpensuretherealizationofthisright,StatesPartiesshalltake
appropriatemeasurestoemployteachers,includingteacherswithdisabilities,
whoarequalifiedinsignlanguageand/orBraille,andtotrainprofessionalsand
staffwhoworkatalllevelsofeducation.Suchtrainingshallincorporatedisability
awarenessandtheuseofappropriateaugmentativeandalternativemodes,
meansandformatsofcommunication,educationaltechniquesandmaterialsto
supportpersonswithdisabilities.

5.StatesPartiesshallensurethatpersonswithdisabilitiesareabletoaccess
generaltertiaryeducation,vocationaltraining,adulteducationandlifelong
learningwithoutdiscriminationandonanequalbasiswithothers.Tothisend,
StatesPartiesshallensurethatreasonableaccommodationisprovidedto
personswithdisabilities.
Backtotop

Article25Health
StatesPartiesrecognizethatpersonswithdisabilitieshavetherighttothe
enjoymentofthehighestattainablestandardofhealthwithoutdiscriminationon
thebasisofdisability.StatesPartiesshalltakeallappropriatemeasuresto
ensureaccessforpersonswithdisabilitiestohealthservicesthataregender
sensitive,includinghealthrelatedrehabilitation.Inparticular,StatesParties
shall:
a.Providepersonswithdisabilitieswiththesamerange,qualityandstandardof
freeoraffordablehealthcareandprogrammesasprovidedtootherpersons,
includingintheareaofsexualandreproductivehealthandpopulationbased
publichealthprogrammes
b.Providethosehealthservicesneededbypersonswithdisabilitiesspecifically
becauseoftheirdisabilities,includingearlyidentificationandinterventionas
appropriate,andservicesdesignedtominimizeandpreventfurther
disabilities,includingamongchildrenandolderpersons
c.Providethesehealthservicesascloseaspossibletopeoplesown
communities,includinginruralareas
d.Requirehealthprofessionalstoprovidecareofthesamequalitytopersons
withdisabilitiesastoothers,includingonthebasisoffreeandinformed
consentby,interalia,raisingawarenessofthehumanrights,dignity,
autonomyandneedsofpersonswithdisabilitiesthroughtrainingandthe
promulgationofethicalstandardsforpublicandprivatehealthcare
e.Prohibitdiscriminationagainstpersonswithdisabilitiesintheprovisionof
healthinsurance,andlifeinsurancewheresuchinsuranceispermittedby
nationallaw,whichshallbeprovidedinafairandreasonablemanner
f.Preventdiscriminatorydenialofhealthcareorhealthservicesorfoodand
fluidsonthebasisofdisability.
Backtotop

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Article26Habilitationandrehabilitation
1.StatesPartiesshalltakeeffectiveandappropriatemeasures,includingthrough
peersupport,toenablepersonswithdisabilitiestoattainandmaintainmaximum
independence,fullphysical,mental,socialandvocationalability,andfull
inclusionandparticipationinallaspectsoflife.Tothatend,StatesPartiesshall
organize,strengthenandextendcomprehensivehabilitationandrehabilitation
servicesandprogrammes,particularlyintheareasofhealth,employment,
educationandsocialservices,insuchawaythattheseservicesand
programmes:
a.Beginattheearliestpossiblestage,andarebasedonthemultidisciplinary
assessmentofindividualneedsandstrengths
b.Supportparticipationandinclusioninthecommunityandallaspectsof
society,arevoluntary,andareavailabletopersonswithdisabilitiesasclose
aspossibletotheirowncommunities,includinginruralareas.
2.StatesPartiesshallpromotethedevelopmentofinitialandcontinuingtraining
forprofessionalsandstaffworkinginhabilitationandrehabilitationservices.

3.StatesPartiesshallpromotetheavailability,knowledgeanduseofassistive
devicesandtechnologies,designedforpersonswithdisabilities,astheyrelateto
habilitationandrehabilitation.
Backtotop

Article27Workandemployment
1.StatesPartiesrecognizetherightofpersonswithdisabilitiestowork,onan
equalbasiswithothersthisincludestherighttotheopportunitytogainaliving
byworkfreelychosenoracceptedinalabourmarketandworkenvironmentthat
isopen,inclusiveandaccessibletopersonswithdisabilities.StatesPartiesshall
safeguardandpromotetherealizationoftherighttowork,includingforthose
whoacquireadisabilityduringthecourseofemployment,bytakingappropriate
steps,includingthroughlegislation,to,interalia:
a.Prohibitdiscriminationonthebasisofdisabilitywithregardtoallmatters
concerningallformsofemployment,includingconditionsofrecruitment,
hiringandemployment,continuanceofemployment,careeradvancement
andsafeandhealthyworkingconditions
b.Protecttherightsofpersonswithdisabilities,onanequalbasiswithothers,
tojustandfavourableconditionsofwork,includingequalopportunitiesand
equalremunerationforworkofequalvalue,safeandhealthyworking
conditions,includingprotectionfromharassment,andtheredressof
grievances
c.Ensurethatpersonswithdisabilitiesareabletoexercisetheirlabourand
tradeunionrightsonanequalbasiswithothers
d.Enablepersonswithdisabilitiestohaveeffectiveaccesstogeneraltechnical
andvocationalguidanceprogrammes,placementservicesandvocationaland
continuingtraining
e.Promoteemploymentopportunitiesandcareeradvancementforpersonswith
disabilitiesinthelabourmarket,aswellasassistanceinfinding,obtaining,
maintainingandreturningtoemployment
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f.Promoteopportunitiesforselfemployment,entrepreneurship,the
developmentofcooperativesandstartingonesownbusiness
g.Employpersonswithdisabilitiesinthepublicsector
h.Promotetheemploymentofpersonswithdisabilitiesintheprivatesector
throughappropriatepoliciesandmeasures,whichmayincludeaffirmative
actionprogrammes,incentivesandothermeasures
i.Ensurethatreasonableaccommodationisprovidedtopersonswith
disabilitiesintheworkplace
j.Promotetheacquisitionbypersonswithdisabilitiesofworkexperienceinthe
openlabourmarket
k.Promotevocationalandprofessionalrehabilitation,jobretentionandreturn
toworkprogrammesforpersonswithdisabilities.
2.StatesPartiesshallensurethatpersonswithdisabilitiesarenotheldinslavery
orinservitude,andareprotected,onanequalbasiswithothers,fromforcedor
compulsorylabour.
Backtotop

Article28Adequatestandardoflivingandsocialprotection
1.StatesPartiesrecognizetherightofpersonswithdisabilitiestoanadequate
standardoflivingforthemselvesandtheirfamilies,includingadequatefood,
clothingandhousing,andtothecontinuousimprovementoflivingconditions,
andshalltakeappropriatestepstosafeguardandpromotetherealizationofthis
rightwithoutdiscriminationonthebasisofdisability.

2.StatesPartiesrecognizetherightofpersonswithdisabilitiestosocial
protectionandtotheenjoymentofthatrightwithoutdiscriminationonthebasis
ofdisability,andshalltakeappropriatestepstosafeguardandpromotethe
realizationofthisright,includingmeasures:
a.Toensureequalaccessbypersonswithdisabilitiestocleanwaterservices,
andtoensureaccesstoappropriateandaffordableservices,devicesand
otherassistancefordisabilityrelatedneeds
b.Toensureaccessbypersonswithdisabilities,inparticularwomenandgirls
withdisabilitiesandolderpersonswithdisabilities,tosocialprotection
programmesandpovertyreductionprogrammes
c.Toensureaccessbypersonswithdisabilitiesandtheirfamilieslivingin
situationsofpovertytoassistancefromtheStatewithdisabilityrelated
expenses,includingadequatetraining,counselling,financialassistanceand
respitecare
d.Toensureaccessbypersonswithdisabilitiestopublichousingprogrammes
e.Toensureequalaccessbypersonswithdisabilitiestoretirementbenefitsand
programmes.
Backtotop

Article29Participationinpoliticalandpubliclife
StatesPartiesshallguaranteetopersonswithdisabilitiespoliticalrightsandthe
opportunitytoenjoythemonanequalbasiswithothers,andshallundertaketo:
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a.Ensurethatpersonswithdisabilitiescaneffectivelyandfullyparticipatein
politicalandpubliclifeonanequalbasiswithothers,directlyorthrough
freelychosenrepresentatives,includingtherightandopportunityforpersons
withdisabilitiestovoteandbeelected,interalia,by:
i.Ensuringthatvotingprocedures,facilitiesandmaterialsare
appropriate,accessibleandeasytounderstandanduse
ii.Protectingtherightofpersonswithdisabilitiestovotebysecretballot
inelectionsandpublicreferendumswithoutintimidation,andtostand
forelections,toeffectivelyholdofficeandperformallpublicfunctions
atalllevelsofgovernment,facilitatingtheuseofassistiveandnew
technologieswhereappropriate
iii.Guaranteeingthefreeexpressionofthewillofpersonswithdisabilities
aselectorsandtothisend,wherenecessary,attheirrequest,allowing
assistanceinvotingbyapersonoftheirownchoice
b.Promoteactivelyanenvironmentinwhichpersonswithdisabilitiescan
effectivelyandfullyparticipateintheconductofpublicaffairs,without
discriminationandonanequalbasiswithothers,andencouragetheir
participationinpublicaffairs,including:
i.Participationinnongovernmentalorganizationsandassociations
concernedwiththepublicandpoliticallifeofthecountry,andinthe
activitiesandadministrationofpoliticalparties
ii.Formingandjoiningorganizationsofpersonswithdisabilitiesto
representpersonswithdisabilitiesatinternational,national,regional
andlocallevels.
Backtotop

Article30Participationinculturallife,recreation,leisureandsport
1.StatesPartiesrecognizetherightofpersonswithdisabilitiestotakepartonan
equalbasiswithothersinculturallife,andshalltakeallappropriatemeasuresto
ensurethatpersonswithdisabilities:
a.Enjoyaccesstoculturalmaterialsinaccessibleformats
b.Enjoyaccesstotelevisionprogrammes,films,theatreandothercultural
activities,inaccessibleformats
c.Enjoyaccesstoplacesforculturalperformancesorservices,suchas
theatres,museums,cinemas,librariesandtourismservices,and,asfaras
possible,enjoyaccesstomonumentsandsitesofnationalcultural
importance.
2.StatesPartiesshalltakeappropriatemeasurestoenablepersonswith
disabilitiestohavetheopportunitytodevelopandutilizetheircreative,artistic
andintellectualpotential,notonlyfortheirownbenefit,butalsoforthe
enrichmentofsociety.

3.StatesPartiesshalltakeallappropriatesteps,inaccordancewithinternational
law,toensurethatlawsprotectingintellectualpropertyrightsdonotconstitute
anunreasonableordiscriminatorybarriertoaccessbypersonswithdisabilitiesto
culturalmaterials.

4.Personswithdisabilitiesshallbeentitled,onanequalbasiswithothers,to
recognitionandsupportoftheirspecificculturalandlinguisticidentity,including
signlanguagesanddeafculture.

5.Withaviewtoenablingpersonswithdisabilitiestoparticipateonanequal
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5.Withaviewtoenablingpersonswithdisabilitiestoparticipateonanequal
basiswithothersinrecreational,leisureandsportingactivities,StatesParties
shalltakeappropriatemeasures:
a.Toencourageandpromotetheparticipation,tothefullestextentpossible,of
personswithdisabilitiesinmainstreamsportingactivitiesatalllevels
b.Toensurethatpersonswithdisabilitieshaveanopportunitytoorganize,
developandparticipateindisabilityspecificsportingandrecreational
activitiesand,tothisend,encouragetheprovision,onanequalbasiswith
others,ofappropriateinstruction,trainingandresources
c.Toensurethatpersonswithdisabilitieshaveaccesstosporting,recreational
andtourismvenues
d.Toensurethatchildrenwithdisabilitieshaveequalaccesswithotherchildren
toparticipationinplay,recreationandleisureandsportingactivities,
includingthoseactivitiesintheschoolsystem
e.Toensurethatpersonswithdisabilitieshaveaccesstoservicesfromthose
involvedintheorganizationofrecreational,tourism,leisureandsporting
activities.
Backtotop

Article31Statisticsanddatacollection
1.StatesPartiesundertaketocollectappropriateinformation,includingstatistical
andresearchdata,toenablethemtoformulateandimplementpoliciestogive
effecttothepresentConvention.Theprocessofcollectingandmaintainingthis
informationshall:
a.Complywithlegallyestablishedsafeguards,includinglegislationondata
protection,toensureconfidentialityandrespectfortheprivacyofpersons
withdisabilities
b.Complywithinternationallyacceptednormstoprotecthumanrightsand
fundamentalfreedomsandethicalprinciplesinthecollectionanduseof
statistics.
2.Theinformationcollectedinaccordancewiththisarticleshallbe
disaggregated,asappropriate,andusedtohelpassesstheimplementationof
StatesPartiesobligationsunderthepresentConventionandtoidentifyand
addressthebarriersfacedbypersonswithdisabilitiesinexercisingtheirrights.

3.StatesPartiesshallassumeresponsibilityforthedisseminationofthese
statisticsandensuretheiraccessibilitytopersonswithdisabilitiesandothers.
Backtotop

Article32Internationalcooperation
1.StatesPartiesrecognizetheimportanceofinternationalcooperationandits
promotion,insupportofnationaleffortsfortherealizationofthepurposeand
objectivesofthepresentConvention,andwillundertakeappropriateand
effectivemeasuresinthisregard,betweenandamongStatesand,as
appropriate,inpartnershipwithrelevantinternationalandregionalorganizations
andcivilsociety,inparticularorganizationsofpersonswithdisabilities.Such
measurescouldinclude,interalia:
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measurescouldinclude,interalia:
a.Ensuringthatinternationalcooperation,includinginternationaldevelopment
programmes,isinclusiveofandaccessibletopersonswithdisabilities
b.Facilitatingandsupportingcapacitybuilding,includingthroughtheexchange
andsharingofinformation,experiences,trainingprogrammesandbest
practices
c.Facilitatingcooperationinresearchandaccesstoscientificandtechnical
knowledge
d.Providing,asappropriate,technicalandeconomicassistance,includingby
facilitatingaccesstoandsharingofaccessibleandassistivetechnologies,
andthroughthetransferoftechnologies.
2.Theprovisionsofthisarticlearewithoutprejudicetotheobligationsofeach
StatePartytofulfilitsobligationsunderthepresentConvention.
Backtotop

Article33Nationalimplementationandmonitoring
1.StatesParties,inaccordancewiththeirsystemoforganization,shalldesignate
oneormorefocalpointswithingovernmentformattersrelatingtothe
implementationofthepresentConvention,andshallgivedueconsiderationto
theestablishmentordesignationofacoordinationmechanismwithingovernment
tofacilitaterelatedactionindifferentsectorsandatdifferentlevels.

2.StatesPartiesshall,inaccordancewiththeirlegalandadministrativesystems,
maintain,strengthen,designateorestablishwithintheStateParty,aframework,
includingoneormoreindependentmechanisms,asappropriate,topromote,
protectandmonitorimplementationofthepresentConvention.When
designatingorestablishingsuchamechanism,StatesPartiesshalltakeinto
accounttheprinciplesrelatingtothestatusandfunctioningofnational
institutionsforprotectionandpromotionofhumanrights.

3.Civilsociety,inparticularpersonswithdisabilitiesandtheirrepresentative
organizations,shallbeinvolvedandparticipatefullyinthemonitoringprocess.
Backtotop

Article34CommitteeontheRightsofPersonswithDisabilities
1.ThereshallbeestablishedaCommitteeontheRightsofPersonswith
Disabilities(hereafterreferredtoastheCommittee),whichshallcarryoutthe
functionshereinafterprovided.

2.TheCommitteeshallconsist,atthetimeofentryintoforceofthepresent
Convention,oftwelveexperts.Afteranadditionalsixtyratificationsoraccessions
totheConvention,themembershipoftheCommitteeshallincreasebysix
members,attainingamaximumnumberofeighteenmembers.

3.ThemembersoftheCommitteeshallserveintheirpersonalcapacityandshall
beofhighmoralstandingandrecognizedcompetenceandexperienceinthefield
coveredbythepresentConvention.Whennominatingtheircandidates,States
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coveredbythepresentConvention.Whennominatingtheircandidates,States
Partiesareinvitedtogivedueconsiderationtotheprovisionsetoutinarticle4.3
ofthepresentConvention.

4.ThemembersoftheCommitteeshallbeelectedbyStatesParties,
considerationbeinggiventoequitablegeographicaldistribution,representationof
thedifferentformsofcivilizationandoftheprincipallegalsystems,balanced
genderrepresentationandparticipationofexpertswithdisabilities.

5.ThemembersoftheCommitteeshallbeelectedbysecretballotfromalistof
personsnominatedbytheStatesPartiesfromamongtheirnationalsatmeetings
oftheConferenceofStatesParties.Atthosemeetings,forwhichtwothirdsof
StatesPartiesshallconstituteaquorum,thepersonselectedtotheCommittee
shallbethosewhoobtainthelargestnumberofvotesandanabsolutemajority
ofthevotesoftherepresentativesofStatesPartiespresentandvoting.

6.Theinitialelectionshallbeheldnolaterthansixmonthsafterthedateof
entryintoforceofthepresentConvention.Atleastfourmonthsbeforethedate
ofeachelection,theSecretaryGeneraloftheUnitedNationsshalladdressa
lettertotheStatesPartiesinvitingthemtosubmitthenominationswithintwo
months.TheSecretaryGeneralshallsubsequentlypreparealistinalphabetical
orderofallpersonsthusnominated,indicatingtheStatePartieswhichhave
nominatedthem,andshallsubmitittotheStatesPartiestothepresent
Convention.

7.ThemembersoftheCommitteeshallbeelectedforatermoffouryears.They
shallbeeligibleforreelectiononce.However,thetermofsixofthemembers
electedatthefirstelectionshallexpireattheendoftwoyearsimmediately
afterthefirstelection,thenamesofthesesixmembersshallbechosenbylotby
thechairpersonofthemeetingreferredtoinparagraph5ofthisarticle.

8.TheelectionofthesixadditionalmembersoftheCommitteeshallbeheldon
theoccasionofregularelections,inaccordancewiththerelevantprovisionsof
thisarticle.

9.IfamemberoftheCommitteediesorresignsordeclaresthatforanyother
causesheorhecannolongerperformherorhisduties,theStatePartywhich
nominatedthemembershallappointanotherexpertpossessingthequalifications
andmeetingtherequirementssetoutintherelevantprovisionsofthisarticle,to
servefortheremainderoftheterm.

10.TheCommitteeshallestablishitsownrulesofprocedure.

11.TheSecretaryGeneraloftheUnitedNationsshallprovidethenecessarystaff
andfacilitiesfortheeffectiveperformanceofthefunctionsoftheCommittee
underthepresentConvention,andshallconveneitsinitialmeeting.

12.WiththeapprovaloftheGeneralAssembly,themembersoftheCommittee
establishedunderthepresentConventionshallreceiveemolumentsfromUnited
NationsresourcesonsuchtermsandconditionsastheAssemblymaydecide,
havingregardtotheimportanceoftheCommitteesresponsibilities.

13.ThemembersoftheCommitteeshallbeentitledtothefacilities,privileges
andimmunitiesofexpertsonmissionfortheUnitedNationsaslaiddowninthe
relevantsectionsoftheConventiononthePrivilegesandImmunitiesofthe
UnitedNations.
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Backtotop

Article35ReportsbyStatesParties
1.EachStatePartyshallsubmittotheCommittee,throughtheSecretary
GeneraloftheUnitedNations,acomprehensivereportonmeasurestakento
giveeffecttoitsobligationsunderthepresentConventionandontheprogress
madeinthatregard,withintwoyearsaftertheentryintoforceofthepresent
ConventionfortheStatePartyconcerned.

2.Thereafter,StatesPartiesshallsubmitsubsequentreportsatleasteveryfour
yearsandfurtherwhenevertheCommitteesorequests.

3.TheCommitteeshalldecideanyguidelinesapplicabletothecontentofthe
reports.

4.AStatePartywhichhassubmittedacomprehensiveinitialreporttothe
Committeeneednot,initssubsequentreports,repeatinformationpreviously
provided.WhenpreparingreportstotheCommittee,StatesPartiesareinvitedto
considerdoingsoinanopenandtransparentprocessandtogivedue
considerationtotheprovisionsetoutinarticle4.3ofthepresentConvention.

5.Reportsmayindicatefactorsanddifficultiesaffectingthedegreeoffulfilment
ofobligationsunderthepresentConvention.
Backtotop

Article36Considerationofreports
1.EachreportshallbeconsideredbytheCommittee,whichshallmakesuch
suggestionsandgeneralrecommendationsonthereportasitmayconsider
appropriateandshallforwardthesetotheStatePartyconcerned.TheStateParty
mayrespondwithanyinformationitchoosestotheCommittee.TheCommittee
mayrequestfurtherinformationfromStatesPartiesrelevanttothe
implementationofthepresentConvention.

2.IfaStatePartyissignificantlyoverdueinthesubmissionofareport,the
CommitteemaynotifytheStatePartyconcernedoftheneedtoexaminethe
implementationofthepresentConventioninthatStateParty,onthebasisof
reliableinformationavailabletotheCommittee,iftherelevantreportisnot
submittedwithinthreemonthsfollowingthenotification.TheCommitteeshall
invitetheStatePartyconcernedtoparticipateinsuchexamination.Shouldthe
StatePartyrespondbysubmittingtherelevantreport,theprovisionsof
paragraph1ofthisarticlewillapply.

3.TheSecretaryGeneraloftheUnitedNationsshallmakeavailablethereports
toallStatesParties.

4.StatesPartiesshallmaketheirreportswidelyavailabletothepublicintheir
owncountriesandfacilitateaccesstothesuggestionsandgeneral
recommendationsrelatingtothesereports.

5.TheCommitteeshalltransmit,asitmayconsiderappropriate,tothe
specializedagencies,fundsandprogrammesoftheUnitedNations,andother
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specializedagencies,fundsandprogrammesoftheUnitedNations,andother
competentbodies,reportsfromStatesPartiesinordertoaddressarequestor
indicationofaneedfortechnicaladviceorassistancecontainedtherein,along
withtheCommitteesobservationsandrecommendations,ifany,onthese
requestsorindications.
Backtotop

Article37CooperationbetweenStatesPartiesandtheCommittee
1.EachStatePartyshallcooperatewiththeCommitteeandassistitsmembersin
thefulfilmentoftheirmandate.

2.InitsrelationshipwithStatesParties,theCommitteeshallgivedue
considerationtowaysandmeansofenhancingnationalcapacitiesforthe
implementationofthepresentConvention,includingthroughinternational
cooperation.
Backtotop

Article38RelationshipoftheCommitteewithotherbodies
InordertofostertheeffectiveimplementationofthepresentConventionandto
encourageinternationalcooperationinthefieldcoveredbythepresent
Convention:
a.ThespecializedagenciesandotherUnitedNationsorgansshallbeentitledto
berepresentedattheconsiderationoftheimplementationofsuchprovisions
ofthepresentConventionasfallwithinthescopeoftheirmandate.The
Committeemayinvitethespecializedagenciesandothercompetentbodies
asitmayconsiderappropriatetoprovideexpertadviceonthe
implementationoftheConventioninareasfallingwithinthescopeoftheir
respectivemandates.TheCommitteemayinvitespecializedagenciesand
otherUnitedNationsorganstosubmitreportsontheimplementationofthe
Conventioninareasfallingwithinthescopeoftheiractivities
b.TheCommittee,asitdischargesitsmandate,shallconsult,asappropriate,
otherrelevantbodiesinstitutedbyinternationalhumanrightstreaties,witha
viewtoensuringtheconsistencyoftheirrespectivereportingguidelines,
suggestionsandgeneralrecommendations,andavoidingduplicationand
overlapintheperformanceoftheirfunctions.
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Article39ReportoftheCommittee
TheCommitteeshallreporteverytwoyearstotheGeneralAssemblyandtothe
EconomicandSocialCouncilonitsactivities,andmaymakesuggestionsand
generalrecommendationsbasedontheexaminationofreportsandinformation
receivedfromtheStatesParties.Suchsuggestionsandgeneralrecommendations
shallbeincludedinthereportoftheCommitteetogetherwithcomments,ifany,
fromStatesParties.
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Article40ConferenceofStatesParties
1.TheStatesPartiesshallmeetregularlyinaConferenceofStatesPartiesin
ordertoconsideranymatterwithregardtotheimplementationofthepresent
Convention.

2.NolaterthansixmonthsaftertheentryintoforceofthepresentConvention,
theConferenceoftheStatesPartiesshallbeconvenedbytheSecretaryGeneral
oftheUnitedNations.Thesubsequentmeetingsshallbeconvenedbythe
SecretaryGeneraloftheUnitedNationsbienniallyoruponthedecisionofthe
ConferenceofStatesParties.
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Article41Depositary
TheSecretaryGeneraloftheUnitedNationsshallbethedepositaryofthe
presentConvention.
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Article42Signature
ThepresentConventionshallbeopenforsignaturebyallStatesandbyregional
integrationorganizationsatUnitedNationsHeadquartersinNewYorkasof30
March2007.
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Article43Consenttobebound
ThepresentConventionshallbesubjecttoratificationbysignatoryStatesandto
formalconfirmationbysignatoryregionalintegrationorganizations.Itshallbe
openforaccessionbyanyStateorregionalintegrationorganizationwhichhas
notsignedtheConvention.
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Article44Regionalintegrationorganizations
1.Regionalintegrationorganizationshallmeananorganizationconstitutedby
sovereignStatesofagivenregion,towhichitsmemberStateshavetransferred
competenceinrespectofmattersgovernedbythisConvention.Such
organizationsshalldeclare,intheirinstrumentsofformalconfirmationor
accession,theextentoftheircompetencewithrespecttomattersgovernedby
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accession,theextentoftheircompetencewithrespecttomattersgovernedby
thisConvention.Subsequently,theyshallinformthedepositaryofany
substantialmodificationintheextentoftheircompetence.

2.ReferencestoStatesPartiesinthepresentConventionshallapplytosuch
organizationswithinthelimitsoftheircompetence.

3.Forthepurposesofarticle45,paragraph1,andarticle47,paragraphs2and
3,anyinstrumentdepositedbyaregionalintegrationorganizationshallnotbe
counted.

4.Regionalintegrationorganizations,inmatterswithintheircompetence,may
exercisetheirrighttovoteintheConferenceofStatesParties,withanumberof
votesequaltothenumberoftheirmemberStatesthatarePartiestothis
Convention.Suchanorganizationshallnotexerciseitsrighttovoteifanyofits
memberStatesexercisesitsright,andviceversa.
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Article45Entryintoforce
1.ThepresentConventionshallenterintoforceonthethirtiethdayafterthe
depositofthetwentiethinstrumentofratificationoraccession.

2.ForeachStateorregionalintegrationorganizationratifying,formally
confirmingoraccedingtotheConventionafterthedepositofthetwentiethsuch
instrument,theConventionshallenterintoforceonthethirtiethdayafterthe
depositofitsownsuchinstrument.
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Article46Reservations
1.Reservationsincompatiblewiththeobjectandpurposeofthepresent
Conventionshallnotbepermitted.

2.Reservationsmaybewithdrawnatanytime.
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PreparedbytheUNWebServicesSection,DepartmentofPublicInformationUnitedNations2006

Article47Amendments
1.AnyStatePartymayproposeanamendmenttothepresentConventionand
submitittotheSecretaryGeneraloftheUnitedNations.TheSecretaryGeneral
shallcommunicateanyproposedamendmentstoStatesParties,witharequest
tobenotifiedwhethertheyfavouraconferenceofStatesPartiesforthepurpose
ofconsideringanddecidingupontheproposals.Intheeventthat,withinfour
monthsfromthedateofsuchcommunication,atleastonethirdoftheStates
Partiesfavoursuchaconference,theSecretaryGeneralshallconvenethe
conferenceundertheauspicesoftheUnitedNations.Anyamendmentadopted
byamajorityoftwothirdsoftheStatesPartiespresentandvotingshallbe
submittedbytheSecretaryGeneraltotheGeneralAssemblyforapprovaland 24/26
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submittedbytheSecretaryGeneraltotheGeneralAssemblyforapprovaland
thereaftertoallStatesPartiesforacceptance.

2.Anamendmentadoptedandapprovedinaccordancewithparagraph1ofthis
articleshallenterintoforceonthethirtiethdayafterthenumberofinstruments
ofacceptancedepositedreachestwothirdsofthenumberofStatesPartiesatthe
dateofadoptionoftheamendment.Thereafter,theamendmentshallenterinto
forceforanyStatePartyonthethirtiethdayfollowingthedepositofitsown
instrumentofacceptance.AnamendmentshallbebindingonlyonthoseStates
Partieswhichhaveacceptedit.

3.IfsodecidedbytheConferenceofStatesPartiesbyconsensus,an
amendmentadoptedandapprovedinaccordancewithparagraph1ofthisarticle
whichrelatesexclusivelytoarticles34,38,39and40shallenterintoforceforall
StatesPartiesonthethirtiethdayafterthenumberofinstrumentsofacceptance
depositedreachestwothirdsofthenumberofStatesPartiesatthedateof
adoptionoftheamendment.
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Article48Denunciation
AStatePartymaydenouncethepresentConventionbywrittennotificationtothe
SecretaryGeneraloftheUnitedNations.Thedenunciationshallbecomeeffective
oneyearafterthedateofreceiptofthenotificationbytheSecretaryGeneral.
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Article49Accessibleformat
ThetextofthepresentConventionshallbemadeavailableinaccessibleformats.
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Article50Authentictexts
TheArabic,Chinese,English,French,RussianandSpanishtextsofthepresent
Conventionshallbeequallyauthentic.
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Inwitnessthereoftheundersignedplenipotentiaries,beingdulyauthorized
theretobytheirrespectiveGovernments,havesignedthepresentConvention.

Source:Annex1,FinalreportoftheAdHocCommitteeonaComprehensiveandIntegralInternational
ConventionontheProtectionandPromotionoftheRightsandDignityofPersonswithDisabilities[A/61/611
PDF,117KB]

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