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

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

CORE INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS INSTRUMENTS International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights - 1966 International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights - 1966 Convention on the Elimination of All forms of Racial Discrimination - 1965 Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women - 1979 Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment – 1984 Convention on the Rights of the Child - 1989 Convention on the protection of the Rights of All Migrants Workers and members of Their Families - 1990 ITU Workshop on Accessibility to ICTs, 23 July 2010, Shanghai, China

The Convention making process UN GA establishes the Ad Hoc Committee (2001) First sessions focus over shape and features of the instrument (2002-2003) 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Several other provisions Art. 20 - Personal mobility Art. 21 – Freedom of expression and opinion and access to information Art. 24 - Education Art. 26 - Habilitation and rehabilitation Art. 27 – Employment Art. 29 - 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

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

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

Silvia Lavagnoli, +41 (0)22 9289586 and slavagnoli@ohchr.org CONTACTS www.ohchr.org, www. http://www2.ohchr.org/english/issues/disability/index.htm Silvia Lavagnoli, +41 (0)22 9289586 and slavagnoli@ohchr.org ITU Workshop on Accessibility to ICTs, 23 July 2010, Shanghai, China