20 years of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: No room for backsliding

Twenty years ago, the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) was adopted. It is considered a milestone for the rights of persons with disabilities. Yet as the world marks this anniversary, inclusion, participation, and human rights are coming under increasing pressure in many countries.

At the start of the Conference of States Parties to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, taking place from June 9 to 11 in New York, CBM is calling for more determination in implementing the Convention. Participation is not a privilege. It is a human right.

Around 1.3 billion persons with disabilities live worldwide. Even so, they are still denied basic rights in many places. At the same time, CBM is concerned that progress on inclusion and participation is stalling in some countries or even being rolled back.

“The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities has strengthened the rights of persons with disabilities worldwide. Yet in many places, persons with disabilities are still excluded or overlooked. States must now take decisive action and ensure equal participation,” says Dr. Rainer Brockhaus, the CEO of CBM.

This year’s Conference of States Parties marks the 20th anniversary of the Convention. From CBM’s perspective, focusing on achievements must not distract from the fact that persons with disabilities continue to be disproportionately affected by violence, neglect, and abuse.

Protection through inclusion, not separation

Women, children and people living in care homes are particularly at risk. CBM is therefore calling for inclusive support services in communities that enable persons with disabilities to live self-determined lives.

“True safety comes from autonomy, participation in society, and recognition of the equal dignity of all people. Persons with disabilities must not be placed in institutions against their will. They must be able to decide for themselves how and where they want to live,” Brockhaus says.

Persons with disabilities and their representative organisations are still underrepresented in political processes. Barriers and prejudice make it harder for them to participate at the local, national, and international levels.

“Over the past twenty years, awareness has grown that persons with disabilities must have a say and help shape decisions that affect their own lives. But real participation goes further. Persons with disabilities must also be able to contribute naturally to social and political debates. Only when their perspectives are heard everywhere will we move closer to the Convention’s vision of inclusion and equal participation,” Brockhaus explains.

CBM therefore works worldwide to ensure that persons with disabilities can speak up and participate in decision-making everywhere.