The Union Cabinet today gave its approval for signing and ratifying the United Nations “Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities” excluding the Optional Protocol.
By signing and ratifying the UN Convention, India will be re-affirming its commitment towards International Policy Framework in respect of the Persons with disabilities. Also, it would enhance the prestige in the international community.
The purpose of the UN Convention is to promote protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities, and to promote respect for their inherent dignity. As per the Convention the 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 on an equal basis with others.
The general principles of the Convention are as under:-
(i) Respect for inherent dignity, individual autonomy including the freedom to make one’s own choices, and independence of persons;
(ii) Non-discrimination;
(iii) Full and effective participation and inclusion in society;
(iv) Respect for difference and acceptance of persons with disabilities as part of human diversity and humanity;
(v) Equality of opportunity;
(vi) Accessibility;
(vii) Equality between men and women;
(viii) Respect for the evolving capacities of children with disabilities and respect for the right of children with disabilities to preserve their identities.
Accroding to the Census 2001, there are 2.19 cr persons with disabilities in India who constitute 2.13 per cent of the total population. This includes persons with visual, hearing, speech, locomotor and mental disabilities. Seventy five per cent of persons with disabilities live in rural areas, 49 per cent of disabled population is literate and only 34 per cent are employed. The earlier emphasis on medical rehabilitation has now been replaced by an emphasis on social rehabilitation.
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YSR/DS/SKS