Emailing: Human Rights and disability.htm

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HUMAN RIGHTS AND DISABILITY

Introduction Introduction The human rights dimension of disability The United Nations action in the field of disability OHCHR's mandate Introduction Over 600 million people, or approximately 10 per cent of the world’s population, have a disability of one form or another. While their living conditions vary, they are united in one common experience – being exposed to various forms of discrimination and social exclusion.   A dramatic shift in perspective has been taking place over the past two decades, and persons with disabilities are increasingly viewed as holders of rights. This shift to the human rights perspective, which is taking place in all economic and social systems, has been authoritatively endorsed by the United Nations.  In 2000, the Commission on Human Rights asked the High Commissioner, in cooperation with the Special Rapporteur on Disability of the Commission for Social Development, “to examine measures to strengthen the protection and monitoring of the human rights of persons with disabilities”. Following to that request, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights designed a long-term plan to enhance the recognition of the human rights dimension of disability. Read more >>>

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