The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) is an international disability treaty that was inspired by U.S. leadership in recognizing the rights of people with disabilities. In fact, several members of USICD’s Board of Directors worked on the draft treaty.
The CRPD is a vital framework for creating legislation and policies around the world that embrace the rights and dignity of all people with disabilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was the model for the CRPD, which values of independence and respect and concept of reasonable accommodation are echoed throughout the treaty.
The United States signed the CRPD in 2009. On December 4, 2012 the United States Senate considered the ratification of the CRPD but fell 5 votes short of the super-majority vote required (ratification of a treaty requires a 2/3 vote of the U.S. Senate). During that time the media coverage of the Senate’s failure to ratify the disability treaty was overwhelming. The CRPD’s Senate leaders, the disability community and its allies remain committed to bringing the treaty up in a future Congress that is more favorable towards ratifying.
USICD led the CRPD campaign in 2012. Over 873 U.S. organizations and companies signed on to show their support. Contact us to learn more about this important treaty and why it is important for the US to ratify. Visit our Online Courses section of the Learning Hub to learn about our CRPD training and other training USICD offers.
Video: Disabled Activists Demand Ratification of Disability Treaty!