Call on Government to ratify UN Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities

On the eve of the International Day of Disabled Persons (Monday, December 3rd) the Ombudsman for Children, Emily Logan, has called on the Government to ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities without delay.

The Ombudsman is also calling for a range of actions to be prioritised by the Government to enhance the dignity, rights and well-being of children and young people living with a disability. Commenting today (Sunday), the Ombudsman for Children stated:

“Tomorrow marks the International Day of Disabled Persons, a day designed to promote both understanding of disability issues and greater support for the rights of all persons with a disability.

“The signing, earlier this year, by Ireland of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities was a significant step, but the Convention is still to be ratified and I am calling for this to proceed without delay.

“In addition, the passing of any amending domestic legislation to ensure that the provisions of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities can be delivered to all children and young people should be fast-tracked.

“The Convention calls on Governments to initiate a cultural change, emphasising equality, inclusion and non-discrimination for children with disabilities. The European Network of Ombudspersons for Children (ENOC), of which I am a member, is calling on all Governments to prioritise a number of actions, including the following:

Provide information to children and young people with disabilities, their peers and the general public with a view to combating negative stereotypes regarding disability.

Promote positive images of children with disabilities, and respect for the rights of children with disabilities.

Involve children with disabilities in policy planning, and recognise that those living with a disability are experts on their own living conditions.

Facilitate full access for children and young people with disabilities to all cultural, leisure and sporting activities.

Invest in the promotion and implementation of choice in the education system at all levels.

Enhance supports – such as respite care – to the families of children with disabilities.

Allocate additional funding to help the victims of abuse and violence, in recognition of the fact that children with disabilities are particularly vulnerable to abuse.

“Many of the complaints that come to my Office for investigation relate to children and young people with a disability. However, if the Government took the actions called for by the European Network of Ombudspersons for Children (ENOC), fewer children and their families would need to refer their cases to my Office for examination.

“Disability is a human rights issue. The ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and the prioritisation of the key actions outlined above, is critical for all children and young people with disabilities in Ireland.”

Ends

• 3 Márta 2007
• Cineál: Preaseisiúint