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United Nations
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Contents |
The compilation provides references to and concise analytical information on international norms and standards related to persons with disabilities that have been adopted or endorsed by member States of the United Nations and by other, selected intergovernmental bodies and Organizations.
The compilation is divided into four chapters: I, "Frameworks for Protection of Rights"; II, "Conventional Protection of Rights"; III, "International Norms"; and IV, "Standards in Subject Order and Rights of Special Groups".
The basic aim of the compilation to promote increased awareness of the considerable body of international norms and standards that currently exists and which can be used to promote advancement of the rights of persons with disabilities within a broad human rights framework. A broad human rights framework in this sense encompasses civil and political rights, and economic, social and cultural rights. International norms and standards cited in the compilation direct special attention to equalization of opportunities for persons with disabilities - a development objective of the World Programme of Action concerning Disabled Persons.
The compilation provides Governments, intergovernmental organizations, the academic community, non-governmental organizations and civil society with a structured and annotated set of international norms and standards that can be cited or applied, as appropriate, in measures to promote the full participation of persons with disabilities in social life and development on the basis of equality. The compilation also provides strategic guidance on the normative and substantive aspects of strategies, policies, programmes and legislation to further equalization of opportunities for persons with disabilities. The compilation is designed for the use by all who are concerned with disability issues.
The compilation is based upon information resources contributed by a number of scholars and practitioners from around the world in addition to research conducted by the Division for Social Policy and Development of the United Nations Secretariat.
The compilation, which is a work-in-progress, is currently available on the Internet site of the United Nations (http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/enable/discom00.htm) to stimulate comment and suggestions for further improvements and updates. Revisions to the compilation will be posted periodically by the United Nations on the Internet.
