1. International Telecommunication Union Workshop “Accessibility to ICTs”, Shanghai, China, 23 July 2010
The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: overview and implications for ICTs
Silvia Lavagnoli
Adviser on Human Rights and Disability
Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
ITU Workshop on Accessibility to ICTs, 23 July 2010, Shanghai, China

2. Structure of Presentation
Overview of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Accessibility in the CRPD
Obligations arising from the CRPD
ITU Workshop on Accessibility to ICTs, 23 July 2010, Shanghai, China

3. CORE INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS INSTRUMENTS
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
Convention on the Elimination of All forms of Racial Discrimination
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women
Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment – 1984
Convention on the Rights of the Child
Convention on the protection of the Rights of All Migrants Workers and members of Their Families
ITU Workshop on Accessibility to ICTs, 23 July 2010, Shanghai, China

4. The Convention making process
UN GA establishes the Ad Hoc Committee (2001)
First sessions focus over shape and features of the instrument ( )
Working Group works
on text (2004 to 2006)
Drafting Group works on terminology and language Sept-Nov 2006)
CRPD & Opt. Protocol opened for signature
(May 2008)
Adoption by GA (Dec 2006)
only 5 years to elaborate, negotiate and adopt an international HR treaty: fast process!
ITU Workshop on Accessibility to ICTs, 23 July 2010, Shanghai, China

5. Map of signatures and ratifications
ITU Workshop on Accessibility to ICTs, 23 July 2010, Shanghai, China

6. structure and content of the CRPD
Preamble
Purpose
Definitions
Principles
Obligations
Specific rights
Enabling measures
Implementation and Monitoring
Final Clauses
50 articles
ITU Workshop on Accessibility to ICTs, 23 July 2010, Shanghai, China 6

7. Disability as a human rights issue
“results from the interaction between persons with impairments and attitudinal and environmental barriers .. ” (preamble)
“persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in society” (art.1)
ITU Workshop on Accessibility to ICTs, 23 July 2010, Shanghai, China

8. Accessibility = Enabling Measure
to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities… (art. 1)
importance of accessibility to the physical, social, economic and cultural environment (..) and to information and communication, in enabling persons with disabilities to fully enjoy all human rights and fundamental freedoms (preamble)
ITU Workshop on Accessibility to ICTs, 23 July 2010, Shanghai, China

9. Article 3 – General Principles
Respect for inherent dignity, individual autonomy including the freedom to make one's own choices, and independence of persons;
Non-discrimination;
Full and effective participation and inclusion in society;
Respect for difference and acceptance of persons with disabilities as part of human diversity and humanity;
Equality of opportunity;
Accessibility;
Equality between men and women;
Respect for the evolving capacities of children with disabilities and respect for the right of children with disabilities to preserve their identities.
ITU Workshop on Accessibility to ICTs, 23 July 2010, Shanghai, China

10. Article 9 – Accessibility
Physical environment
Transportation
Information/Communication/
Technologies
Public facilities and services
ITU Workshop on Accessibility to ICTs, 23 July 2010, Shanghai, China

11. Several other provisions
Art Personal mobility
Art. 21 – Freedom of expression and opinion and access to information
Art Education
Art Habilitation and rehabilitation
Art. 27 – Employment
Art Participation in public and political life
Art. 31 – Statistics and data collection
Art. 32 – International cooperation
ITU Workshop on Accessibility to ICTs, 23 July 2010, Shanghai, China

12. Implementation
”adopt all appropriate legislative, administrative and other measures” (art. 4)
and specifically
Standards and guidelines
R&D for universal design
R&D for ICTs
Promote access to ICTS
Training
Accessibility of private sector
Affordability
ITU Workshop on Accessibility to ICTs, 23 July 2010, Shanghai, China

13. International cooperation (art. 32) And the United Nations?
Where?
National level
International cooperation (art. 32)
And the United Nations?
ITU Workshop on Accessibility to ICTs, 23 July 2010, Shanghai, China

14. Silvia Lavagnoli, +41 (0)22 9289586 and slavagnoli@ohchr.org
CONTACTS
www.
Silvia Lavagnoli, +41 (0) and
ITU Workshop on Accessibility to ICTs, 23 July 2010, Shanghai, China