Declaration on the Rights of Disabled Persons

Declaration on the Rights of Disabled Persons

The Declaration on the Rights of Disabled Persons is a significant document adopted by the United Nations General Assembly that outlines the rights and protections afforded to individuals with disabilities. It was proclaimed on December 9, 1975, by resolution 3447 (XXX).

Background

The Declaration on the Rights of Disabled Persons was developed in response to growing awareness of the need to protect the rights of disabled individuals and to promote their full participation in society. The 1970s saw increased advocacy for disability rights, leading to international efforts to address the challenges faced by disabled persons.

Content of the Declaration

The Declaration consists of several key principles aimed at ensuring the dignity, rights, and well-being of disabled persons. Some of the main points include:

• Equality and Non-Discrimination: The Declaration emphasizes that disabled persons should enjoy all the rights set forth in the document without discrimination of any kind.
• Right to Respect and Dignity: It asserts that disabled persons have the inherent right to respect for their human dignity.
• Right to Medical, Psychological, and Functional Treatment: The Declaration states that disabled persons have the right to receive medical, psychological, and functional treatment, including prosthetic and orthotic appliances.
• Right to Economic and Social Security: It affirms the right of disabled persons to economic and social security, including the right to employment.
• Right to Education: The Declaration highlights the right of disabled persons to education, vocational training, and rehabilitation.
• Right to Participate in Social Life: It underscores the importance of enabling disabled persons to participate in social, cultural, and economic life.

Impact and Legacy

The Declaration on the Rights of Disabled Persons laid the groundwork for subsequent international efforts to protect the rights of disabled individuals. It influenced the development of later documents, such as the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which was adopted in 2006.

The Declaration has been instrumental in raising awareness about the rights of disabled persons and has contributed to policy changes in many countries. It has also inspired advocacy groups and individuals to continue the fight for disability rights.

See Also

• Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
• Disability rights movement
• United Nations General Assembly

External Links

• [United Nations Enable - Rights and Dignity of Persons with Disabilities](https://www.un.org/development/desa/disabilities/)