Background on the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

New Zealand ratified the Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities on 26 September, 2008.

Ratification means New Zealand must make a regular report to the United Nations on how the country has implemented the convention. The first report is due after two years, and then every four years.

Human Rights Commission’s role:

  • Independent monitoring
  • Promotion and awareness about the Convention.

The Human Rights Commission and the Office of Disability Issues will work closely with the disability sector as independent monitors of the Convention and promote awareness about the convention to key stakeholders and the general public.

Projects:

Office of Disability Issues has worked on alternative formats for the Convention:

  • Braille and audio formats done
  • an easy to read version is available
  • a NZSL translation is available on DVD and on-line

Go to the Office of Disability Issues website to get different formats.

The Human Rights Commission has launched an electronic newsletter Manahau: Strength and Resilience to provide news and information on progress in implementing the convention and news from the disability sector. Sign up for the free newsletter here.

Download a copy of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities here.

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