26 November 2004

Australian Government Co-Sponsors UN Resolution on Disabilities

The Australian Government has joined in sponsoring a United Nations General Assembly resolution on the development of the Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities.

Co-sponsoring the resolution affirms Australia’s commitment to the development of this convention , and to ensuring it genuinely advances the circumstances of people with disabilities.

We recognise that people with disabilities remain one of the most disadvantaged and vulnerable groups throughout the world.

The new convention should operate to ensure that people with disabilities can effectively access and exercise their existing human rights by removing barriers and promoting full participation and inclusion in society.

Co-sponsoring the resolution is one way of marking the International Day of Disabled Persons on 3 December. This year the Day will focus on involving people with disability in planning the strategies and policies that affect them. This year’s motto ‘Nothing About Us Without Us’ means the day will focus on involving people with disability in planning the strategies and policies that affect them.

An Australian delegation has attended all meetings of the United Nations Ad Hoc Committee negotiating the text of the convention. The delegation has included a member of the disability sector and a representative of the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission as well as relevant Australian Government Departments.

Media inquiries: Chris Kenny (Mr Downer's Office) 02 62777 500, Charlie McKillop (Mr Ruddock's Office) 02 62777 300, Nicole McKechnie (Ms Patterson's Office) 02 6277 7560