The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) is an international human rights treaty of the United Nations intended to protect the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities. The CRPD is composed of 18 members who work towards justice and improvement.

In many parts of the world, many human rights of those with disabilities are violated or ignored, and they face many barriers in life. Barriers include employment opportunities, stigma, transport, or any other discrimination.

The UNCPRD talks about how countries should make sure that people with disabilities have the same rights as anyone else in the community.

For example:

• People with disabilities should be able to live independently within the community.
• Countries should make things accessible for those with disabilities, e.g., sign language.
• Countries should make sure that those with disabilities have access to healthcare and live in safety.

These rights include those with any kinds of disabilities, hidden or not. We cannot identify someone as ‘disabled’ or any other label because not all disabilities can be seen.

Everyone faces challenges, no matter how big or small the disability is.

Society can raise many misunderstandings and assumptions about the other person lying about a disability just because it’s not evident, which needs to change. Hence, awareness is important to provide an inclusive environment for everyone.

In Article 1, The treaty defines persons with disabilities as:

“Those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.”

The UNCRPD has 50 articles that go through the principles, obligations, the purpose behind this committee, which is essential to read.

Read the full list of articles on the United Nations website here.