UN convention on the rights of persons with disabilities
The Australian Government has welcomed the UN Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
It removes barriers faced by people with a disability and enhances opportunities to participate in social and political decision making processes.
It also recognises their rights to education, health, work, adequate living conditions, freedom of movement and equal recognition before the law.
Australia was among the first to sign the convention and the Rudd Government is committed to becoming a party to it as soon as possible. A National Interest Analysis will be tabled in Parliament in the coming months. Australia played a leading part in negotiations for drafting this convention.
The Government will also soon begin consulting the states and territories on the Optional Protocol to the Convention.
More information is available at www.ag.gov.au/disabilityconvention
