Disabilities and rehabilitation

United Nations Comprehensive and Integral International Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights and Dignity of Persons with Disabilities

In April 2000, the Commission on Human Rights, in its resolution on Human rights of persons with disabilities, invited the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to examine measures to strengthen the protection and monitoring of the human rights of people with disabilities. An Ad Hoc Committee, open to participation of all Members States and observers to the United Nations, was established to consider proposals for a convention to promote and protect the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities. A Working Group to the Ad Hoc Committee has been tasked with preparing and presenting a draft text for the convention which will serve as the basis for negotiations at the Ad Hoc Committee. A sixth session of the Ad Hoc Committee met in early August 2005.

WHO supports a rights-based approach affirming the principle of autonomy and participatory decision-making in addressing the health and rehabilitation needs of people with disabilities. WHO closely follows the work of the Ad Hoc Committee, and is actively contributing to preparation of the United Nations Comprehensive and Integral International Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights and Dignity of Persons with Disabilities.

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