COMPILATION OF INTERNATIONAL NORMS
AND STANDARDS RELATING TO DISABILITY
Part II. International Human Rights. 3/8   
2. The International Covenant on Economic Social and Cultural Rights
Article 6 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
provides that States parties recognise "...the right to work, which includes the
right of everyone to the opportunity to gain his living by work which he freely chooses or
accepts...". Article 7 (a) refers to the right of everyone to the enjoyment of just
and favourable conditions of work which ensure, in particular, fair wages and equal
remuneration for work of equal value without distinction of any kind and a decent living
for workers and their families.
Article 10 (2) states that "...special protection should be accorded to mothers
during a reasonable period before and after childbirth." Such protection is important
for the prevention of disabilities, as many disabilities occur as a result of problems
associated with pregnancy and childbirth.
Article 11 (1) has special significance. "States Parties recognise the right of
everyone to an adequate standard of living for himself and his family, including adequate
food, clothing and housing, and to the continuous improvement of living conditions."
Article 12 (1) concerns the "...right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest
attainable standard of physical and mental health." In relation to disabled persons,
this right may be violated when necessary measures are not taken to prevent malnutrition;
when appropriate medical care and rehabilitation services are not provided for disabled
persons; when immunisation campaigns to prevent diseases are not carried out; and when
people live in overcrowded conditions not conducive to mental health.
Article 13 (1) provides that "States Parties recognise the right of everyone to
education." Th is can be interpreted to mean that disabled persons must have
effective access to education, which is appropriate to their abilities.
Article 15 (1) (a) recognises the "...right of everyone to take part in cultural
life." This right is violated, for example, when access to facilities in which
cultural activities take place is inappropriate, like for cinemas, theatres, libraries,
sports stadiums, museums etc. or when disabled persons are excluded from participating in
cultural life on account of prejudices.
2.1 1503 Procedure of the Economic and Social Council
In 1970, the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) opened the way for United Nations
considerations of individual petitions about human rights violations. In that year,
ECOSOC adopted Resolution 1503, Procedure for Dealing with Communications Relating to
Violations of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms. The 1503 Procedures are designed
narrowly to address situations which appear to reveal a widespread pattern of gross
human rights abuses. The entire hierarchy of United Nations human rights organs are
involved in the process: the General Assembly, ECOSOC, the Sub-Commission on the
Prevention of Discrimination and the Centre for Human Rights in Geneva. The Sub-Commission
on Prevention of Discrimination is a body of independent experts who serve in their
individual capacities.
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