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Background Documents | Article 1 Background
Seventh
Session | Fourth Session | Third
Session
Working Group | References
References
Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with
Disabilities
Adopted by the United Nations General Assembly, forty-eighth session, resolution 48/96, annex, of 20 December 1993
Introduction: Purpose and content
The Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities
have been developed on the basis of the experience gained during the United
Nations Decade of Disabled Persons (1983-1992). 6/ The International Bill
of Human Rights, comprising the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 7/
the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights 8/ and
the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, 8/ the Convention
on the Rights of the Child 9/ and the Convention on the Elimination of All
Forms of Discrimination against Women, 10/ as well as the World Programme
of Action concerning Disabled Persons, constitute the political and moral
foundation for the Rules.
Although the Rules are not compulsory, they can become international customary
rules when they are applied by a great number of States with the intention
of respecting a rule in international law. They imply a strong moral and political
commitment on behalf of States to take action for the equalization of opportunities
for persons with disabilities. Important principles for responsibility, action
and cooperation are indicated. Areas of decisive importance for the quality
of life and for the achievement of full participation and equality are pointed
out. The Rules offer an instrument for policy-making and action to persons
with disabilities and their organizations. They provide a basis for technical
and economic cooperation among States, the United Nations and other international
organizations.
The purpose of the Rules is to ensure that girls, boys, women and men with
disabilities, as members of their societies, may exercise the same rights
and obligations as others. In all societies of the world there are still obstacles
preventing persons with disabilities from exercising their rights and freedoms
and making it difficult for them to participate fully in the activities of
their societies. It is the responsibility of States to take appropriate action
to remove such obstacles. Persons with disabilities and their organizations
should play an active role as partners in this process. The equalization of
opportunities for persons with disabilities is an essential contribution in
the general and worldwide effort to mobilize human resources. Special attention
may need to be directed towards groups such as women, children, the elderly,
the poor, migrant workers, persons with dual or multiple disabilities, indigenous
people and ethnic minorities. In addition, there are a large number of refugees
with disabilities who have special needs requiring attention.
World Programme of Action Concerning Disabled Persons
Adopted by the United Nations General Assembly, thirty-seventh session, Resolution
37/52 of 3 December 1982
Objectives
The purpose of the World Programme of Action concerning Disabled Persons is
to promote effective measures for prevention of disability, rehabilitation
and the realization of the goals of ''full participation'' of disabled persons
in social life and development, and of ''equality''. This means opportunities
equal to those of the whole population and an equal share in the improvement
in living conditions resulting from social and economic development. These
concepts should apply with the same scope and with the same urgency to all
countries, regardless of their level of development.