Nizhny Novgorod Regional Public Organization of Disabled People
"Social rehabilitation"
UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Benefit for disabled children and their parents
font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Verdana">Nizhny Novgorod
2010
This manual was published as part of the “Legal Territory of the Family” project.
This publication was prepared for disabled children, as well as their parents, and may be of interest to a wide audience, in particular leaders of non-profit organizations working with disabled people, special (correctional) schools, and all those who are not indifferent to the problem of rehabilitation of disabled people into the life of society.
The publication in accessible language covers such key points of the UN Convention on the Rights of Children with Disabilities as: health, education, work, society.
All your comments will be considered with interest by the authors of the manual.
The publication was supported by the Small Grants Program of the US Embassy in the Russian Federation. NROO "Social Rehabilitation" bears full responsibility for the content of this publication, which cannot be regarded as the opinion of the US Embassy or the US government.
NROO "Social rehabilitation"
G.N. Novgorod
Yarmarochny Proezd, 8
sorena @kis. ru
www. socrehab. ru
Compiled by:
Introduction………………………………………………………4
on the rights of persons with disabilities……………………………7
Children and society………………………………..10
Education…………………………..…12
Labor ……………………………………………………………….15
Health…………………………………………..16
Conclusion……………………………………18
Glossary of terms…………………………….....19
Introduction
You are holding in your hands a book that will tell you about a very important document - UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities . Unfortunately, not all of us know about this Convention, which on March 30, 2007 was opened for signature and ratification by all interested countries. Let us recall that the concept of ratification means the approval of an international treaty by the highest authority of a state party to this treaty.
The question arises, what is special about this Convention, what can it introduce new, and how will it affect us? There are already a huge number of Laws, Decrees, Regulations, etc. around us, and problems still exist. So what makes this UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities special?
The decision to create a UN Special Committee to develop a Convention on the Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities was made on December 19, 2001. And only 5 years later, namely on December 13, 2006, the Convention was adopted by the UN General Assembly.
Previously, the rights of people with disabilities were not enshrined in a single international legal document. The first document with the basic principles of attitude towards persons with disabilities was approved in 1982 by the UN General Assembly, and the period from 1983 to 1992 was proclaimed the UN Decade of Persons with Disabilities. But despite all efforts, people with disabilities have not received equal opportunities and remain isolated from society.
The Convention on the Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities will be the first major human rights treaty concluded in the 21st century. It will come into force after it is approved (ratified) by 20 countries.
Countries that approve the convention will have to fight negative attitudes towards people with disabilities and disabled children. Equal rights for people with disabilities can only be achieved through changes in the attitude of people around them.
States will also have to guarantee the right of persons with disabilities to live on an equal basis with everyone else. Public places and buildings, transport and means of communication will have to become more accessible.
Today there are about 650 million people with disabilities on our planet. This is about 10% of the world's population. There are about 150 million children with disabilities around the world.
Our book is primarily for disabled children and their parents. And this book was created to explain what the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is and why it is so important.
The Convention has 50 articles, some of which are dedicated to children with disabilities. After all, it is disabled children who most often become victims of society among all children in the world. Misunderstanding on the part of peers leads to conflicts in families and at school. This leads to a decrease in the success of educational activities, lowers their self-esteem, and the child withdraws into himself. And most importantly, all this can affect their already poor health.
It was the participation and knowledge of persons with disabilities themselves, including children with disabilities who face life's challenges every day, that played a key role in the successful adoption of the Convention.
After the approval of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, along with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, the creation of the necessary legal instruments to protect the rights of children with disabilities will be ensured.
General provisions of the UN Convention
on the rights of persons with disabilities
The purpose of the Convention is to protect the rights of persons with disabilities and to promote respect for their dignity. According to the convention, persons with disabilities include persons with disabilities that may prevent them from fully participating in society on an equal basis with others.
One of the problems of disabled people in Russia is touched upon here. A disabled person's full participation in society is hindered by the simple lack of necessary accommodations in most of the buildings we visit every day. Shops, educational institutions, and transport do not meet the requirements of a disabled person, and in his own home, a person with disabilities can simply become a “hostage.”
The Convention will oblige participating countries to guarantee the full rights of persons with disabilities.
I think you will agree with me that sometimes it is not clear what some concepts that are often heard around us mean. Let's try to understand some of them.
For example, what does disability discrimination mean, which is so often written about and needs to be combated?
Discrimination in Latin means “discrimination.” Discrimination on the basis of disability is the restriction or deprivation of the rights of a certain group of citizens only because they have limitations in their physical, mental or other capabilities. If you or your child are not accepted into an educational institution only because you have a disability, this is discrimination on the basis of disability.
The Convention has such a concept as “reasonable accommodation”. For example, a ramp at the entrance to a store is a reasonable adaptation. That is, a disabled person needs a ramp - font-size: 14.0pt;color:black">a wheelchair user in order to get to a store or school. But the very presence of a ramp at the entrance does not interfere with others in any way, this is a reasonable adaptation.
It would be discrimination to refuse reasonable accommodations. If at the entrance to a school there is no ramp so that a student in a wheelchair can get there, this is discrimination.
The state that approves this Convention will adopt the necessary laws to abolish any discrimination against persons with disabilities.
To adopt such a Law, the state consults with people with disabilities and disabled children. Consultation and involvement of disabled people occurs through organizations representing disabled people.
This convention, like many others, defines general principles. The word "principle" translated from Latin means "beginning". A principle is the basic principle on which something is built. The Convention contains several principles on which society's attitude towards people with disabilities should be based.
Here are some of them:
Respect the characteristics of people with disabilities.
Respect the abilities of disabled children;
Respect the right of disabled children to maintain their individuality.
In order for the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to work, States Parties to the Convention designate one or more bodies within the government. These bodies are responsible for the implementation of the Convention and its implementation.
Disabled people and their representative organizations monitor and participate in the implementation of the Convention and its introduction into our lives.
The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities does not create new rights! States implement it so that there are no violations of the rights of people with disabilities around us.
Children and society
The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities pays particular attention to respect for home and family, and education.
Disabled children are vulnerable, and they are the ones who need attention, help and support from society and the state as a whole. The UN Convention states that the best interests of the child shall be a primary consideration in all actions concerning children with disabilities.
Know that there is a UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. For Russia it came into force in September 1990. The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities refers to the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Thus, it recognizes the full rights of all disabled children on an equal basis with other children. And also, on the same basis as other children, receive the help he needs due to his disability.
The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities calls for all children to develop respect for people with disabilities and children with disabilities from an early age. After all, when communicating with peers, disabled children do not always have mutual understanding.
The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities gives the state many responsibilities.
State responsibilities:
Provide assistance to people with disabilities in raising children,
Provide children with disabilities and their families with comprehensive information, services and support.
Make every effort to organize alternative care by involving more distant relatives in cases where the immediate family is not able to provide care for a disabled child, and if this is not possible, by creating family conditions for the child to live in the local community.
Take all measures to ensure that children with disabilities fully enjoy all human rights and fundamental freedoms on an equal basis with other children.
Education
The UN Convention uses the concept “ inclusive education" Let's figure out what this is?
Inclusive, that is, including. Inclusive education is the education of children with special needs in general education (mainstream) schools. Inclusive education unites (includes) all children.
There is no discrimination in inclusive education. Remember what discrimination means? That's right: distinctions. Inclusive education treats everyone equally. Thanks to inclusive education, conditions are created for children with special needs.
Inclusive approaches can support these children to learn and achieve success. And this gives chances and opportunities for a better life!!!
The Convention directs States Parties to strive to develop:
personalities,
talents
creativity of disabled people
mental
physical abilities
And so that all these abilities develop in full.
to empower persons with disabilities to participate effectively in a free society.
After all, we all know that all children can learn. It is only necessary to create suitable conditions for their learning. Disabled people who previously studied either at home or in a boarding school experience difficulties adapting to the conditions of study in a particular educational institution and problems establishing contacts with their peers and teachers. The process of acquiring knowledge itself is not very difficult for a disabled person.
To avoid these difficulties, the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities introduces such a concept as “Socialization skills”! and again the question arises, what does this mean? It's very simple:
Socialization (in developmental psychology) from Latin - public. Socialization skills are the assimilation and practical application of social experience. And we gain this social experience when we communicate with each other. Education is the leading and defining concept of socialization.
We've sorted out a little bit about socialization. Mastering life and socialization skills will facilitate the full and equal participation of people with disabilities in the educational process. A state that has approved the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities will ensure the availability of adaptations that take into account the needs of people with disabilities in schools, universities, etc. That is, an environment will be created that is conducive to the acquisition of knowledge.
For example, to create this environment, States Parties to the Convention are taking measures to recruit teachers, including teachers with disabilities, who speak sign language and/or Braille.
The specialists themselves and all personnel who work in the education system are also trained. They are taught methods and ways of communicating with people with disabilities and disabled children. How to provide support and teach him the necessary knowledge, how to present educational material.
If the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is approved (ratified) by our Russian state, then inclusive education will be introduced in our country. And it will be introduced through the adoption of a law providing for obligations and programs to ensure access to education for people with disabilities.
Work
The Convention recognizes the right of persons with disabilities to work on an equal basis with others. The right to work is the right to the opportunity to earn a living by work that the disabled person has freely chosen or agreed to.
In order for the labor market to be accessible to people with disabilities, inclusion is again needed. Inclusivity (inclusion, accessibility) is achieved by:
encouragement (greetings) desire of a disabled person to work;
protectionthe rights of persons with disabilities to just and favorable working conditions;
provisiondecent remuneration for work;
security working conditions;
conservation jobs;
The Convention provides for increased employment opportunities for persons with disabilities. As well as providing assistance in finding a job, assistance in obtaining, maintaining and resuming work.
When we talk about work, here we again remember the concepts we have learned! Remember "reasonable accommodation"? So, the workplace must be provided with reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodations in the workplace would include wide doorways to allow a disabled person to easily enter the room, or a desk that is accessible to the disabled person. But this will not interfere with the others.
Health
We will begin our study of the health section with such a concept as “rehabilitation”. Rehabilitation translated from Latin means restoration. This concept can be considered in a legal sense, i.e. restoration of rights.
We are interested in the second meaning of this word, namely: in medicine rehabilitation is a set of events for persons with limited physical and mental capabilities:
-medical (help from doctors);
Pedagogical (working with disabled teachers, teachers);
Professional (when, for example, a psychologist works with disabled people);
With the help of all these measures, health and ability to work are restored.
font-size: 14.0pt;font-family:" times new roman>Rehabilitation of children with mental retardation, hearing, speech, vision defects, etc. is of particular importance. There are therapeutic measures, such as: occupational therapy, physical therapy, sports games, electrotherapy, mud therapy, massage. These therapeutic measures are carried out in rehabilitation departments and centers at large hospitals and institutes (trauma, psychiatric, cardiology, etc.).
But the Convention also has such a concept as habilitation. So, habilitation means comfortable, adapted to rights. These are therapeutic and social measures for people with disabilities since childhood, aimed at adapting them to life.
Rehabilitation and habilitation are needed so that a disabled person feels independent, so that he develops physical, mental and other abilities. Thanks to rehabilitation and habilitation, they are involved in life.
The Convention fights for:
Maximum accessibility of various institutions for people with disabilities (for example, the proximity of a hospital where rehabilitation assistance can be provided).
Professional training of personnel in rehabilitation and habilitation.
Providing disabled people with the same range of free health care services as other categories of citizens.
The Convention also talks about early diagnosis. Early diagnosis is necessary to prevent further disability among children and the elderly.
Conclusion
Dear readers!
We have now come to the end of our edition of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. We really hope that our work turned out to be useful and interesting for you, and most importantly, that you discovered a lot of new things.
We all need to know our rights and responsibilities in order to easily operate them in the right situation. This edition of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities has provided you with access to information and materials that address and expand on this topic in detail.
You and I know firsthand how many there are in our country, and throughout the world, who are in such need of protection. The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is not just another expression of pity or charity towards people with disabilities, it is, first of all, an expression of the equal rights and freedoms of people with disabilities, disabled children, a guarantee of their rights to life on an equal basis with everyone else.
I would like to express the hope that the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities will be ratified and the participating countries will undertake obligations to combat negative attitudes towards people with disabilities and children with disabilities.
Glossary of terms
International convention -(from Latin conventio - agreement), one of the types of international treaty; establishes the mutual rights and obligations of states, usually in some special area.
Ratification(from Latin ratus - approved), approval by the supreme body of state power of an international treaty.
Discrimination based on disability - Discrimination (from the Latin discriminatio - distinction) means any difference, exclusion or restriction due to disability. The purpose of Discrimination is to deny equal human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Reasonable accommodation - means making necessary and appropriate modifications (adaptations) that do not interfere with the interests of others. For example, a traffic light with sound.
Principle(Latin principium - beginning, basis):
1) the basic starting position of any theory, teaching, science, etc.;
2) A person’s inner conviction, which determines his attitude towards reality.
3) The basis of the device or operation of any device, machine, etc.
Inclusive education- This is the education of children with special needs in general education (mass) schools.
Socialization(from Latin socialis - social), the process of a person’s assimilation of knowledge, norms and values of society.
Rehabilitation(Late Latin rehabilitatio - restoration):
1) (legal) restoration of rights.
2) (medical) a complex of medical, pedagogical professional measures aimed at restoring (or compensating) impaired body functions and the working ability of sick and disabled people.
Habilitation(abilitatio; lat. habilis - convenient, adaptive) - therapeutic and social measures in relation to disabled people from childhood, aimed at adapting to life.
Version for children with disabilities
The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is an agreement signed by countries around the world that guarantees equality between disabled and non-disabled people. Conventions—sometimes called treaties, covenants, international agreements, and legal instruments—tell your government what to do so that you can enjoy your rights. This applies to all adults and children with disabilities, both boys and girls.
I may not have legs 
But the feelings remained
I can't see
But I think all the time
I can't hear at all
But I want to communicate
So why do people
They don't see my benefit
They don’t know my thoughts, they don’t want to communicate.
Cause I can think just like everyone else
About what surrounds me and everyone else.
Coralie Severs, 14, United Kingdom
This poem reflects the problems of millions of children and adults who are disabled and living in different countries of the world. Many of them are discriminated against every day. Their capabilities are not noticed, their abilities are underestimated. They do not receive the necessary education and health care, and do not participate in the life of their communities.
But children and adults with disabilities have the same rights as other people.
The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities was adopted on December 13, 2006. As of April 2, 2008, the Convention had been ratified by 20 countries, which means it entered into force on May 3, 2008 (see the provisions of the Convention on the Disability Rights website).
Although the Convention applies to all people with disabilities, regardless of their age, this book addresses the importance of rights in the lives of children, because you are so important to us all.
Why is the Convention needed?
If you, your parent or another family member has a disability, you will find useful information and support in the Convention. It will guide you, your family and friends who want to help you in exercising your rights. It also determines what measures the government must take to ensure that persons with disabilities can enjoy their rights.
People with different types of disabilities from around the world worked with their governments to develop the text of this Convention. Their ideas are based on activities and existing laws that have helped people with disabilities learn, get jobs, have fun, and live happily in their communities.
There are many rules, attitudes and even buildings that need to be changed so that a disabled child can go to school, play and do the things that all children want to do. If your government has ratified the Convention, it has agreed to these changes.
It is important to remember that the rights set out in the Convention are not new. These are the same human rights that are enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Convention on the Rights of the Child and other international human rights agreements. The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities ensures that these rights are respected for persons with disabilities.
Action for change
This is why the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities was developed. This international agreement requires all governments to protect the rights of children and adults with disabilities.
UNICEF and its partners are committed to encouraging all countries to sign the Convention. This will protect disabled children from discrimination and help them become productive members of society. Each of us has a role to play. Read the information below to learn how to take part in ensuring that everyone is treated properly.
Understand what a disability is
Have you ever felt like everyone has forgotten about you? Children and adults who have difficulty seeing, learning, walking or hearing often feel forgotten. There are many obstacles that may prevent them from participating in society on an equal basis with others, which in most cases are imposed by society itself. For example, a child in a wheelchair also wants to go to school. But he cannot do this because the school does not have ramps, and the school principal and teachers do not pay attention to this. A necessary condition for reaching everyone is changing existing rules, attitudes and even buildings.
Summary of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Optimism is the motto of our life, 
Listen, you, my friend, and all of you, my friends.
Let your motto be love and faith.
The merciful God gave life
To all beings in heaven and on earth.
If you have disabled friends,
Be close to them to give them protection,
Instill in them optimism and love for life,
Tell them only cowards get discouraged
Brave people are stubborn and persistent.
We live for hope.
A kind smile will unite us.
There is no place for despair in life and you cannot live in despair.
Javan Jihad Medhat, 13, Iraq
The convention contains many promises. The 50 articles of the Convention make clear what these promises are. In the following, the word “government” will mean the governments of those countries that have ratified the Convention (they are also called “state parties”).
What does it mean to ratify?
Governments that ratify the Convention agree to do everything possible to give effect to its provisions. Check to see if your state has ratified this Convention. If so, you may want to remind government officials of their obligations. The United Nations publishes a list of states that have signed the Convention and agreed to its provisions.
Article 1: Purpose
This article sets out the main purpose of the Convention, which is to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment by all persons with disabilities, including children, of all human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Article 2: Definitions
This article provides a list of words that have specific definitions in the context of this Convention. For example, “language” means spoken and signed languages and other forms of non-speech languages. “Communication” includes the use of languages, texts, Braille (which uses raised dots to represent letters and numbers), tactile communication, large print, and accessible multimedia (such as Internet sites and audio recordings).
Article 3: Basic principles
The principles (basic provisions) of this Convention are as follows:
- respect for a person's inherent dignity, personal autonomy, including the freedom to make one's own choices, and independence;
- non-discrimination (equal treatment for everyone);
- full and effective involvement and inclusion in society;
- respect for the characteristics of persons with disabilities and their acceptance as a component of human diversity and part of humanity;
- equality of opportunity;
- accessibility (ready access to means of transport, places and information and not being denied access on the basis of disability);
- equality between men and women (boys and girls also have equal opportunities);
- respect for the developing abilities of children with disabilities and respect for the right of children with disabilities to maintain their individuality (the right to have your abilities respected and the right to be proud of yourself).
Article 4: General obligations
Legislation should not include laws that discriminate against persons with disabilities. Where necessary, the government should develop new laws to protect the rights of people with disabilities and implement these laws in practice. If previous laws are discriminatory, the government should change them. Governments should consult with persons with disabilities, including children with disabilities, when developing new laws and policies.
What are laws?
Laws are rules that everyone must follow so that people live in mutual respect and safety.
Article 5: Equality and non-discrimination
If there are laws that limit the opportunities for children with disabilities compared to other children, those laws need to be changed. The Government should consult with organizations on children with disabilities when introducing amendments to such laws and policies.
Governments recognize that all persons have the right to the protection and equal benefit of the law within the country in which they live.
Article 6: Women with disabilities
Governments are aware that women and girls with disabilities face multiple discrimination. They undertake to protect their human rights and freedoms.
Article 7: Disabled children
Governments shall take all necessary measures to ensure that children with disabilities fully enjoy all human rights and fundamental freedoms on an equal basis with other children. They also ensure that children with disabilities have the right to freely express their views on all issues that affect them. What is best for each child should always come first.
Article 8: Educational work
Disabled boys and girls have the same rights as all children. For example, all children have the right to go to school, to play and to be protected from violence, and to participate in decision-making on issues that affect them. Governments must provide this information, as well as the necessary support to realize the rights of children with disabilities.
The media should report on injustices towards children and adults with disabilities.
Governments should work to ensure that the entire society is educated about the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities, as well as their achievements and skills. They commit to combating stereotypes, prejudices and harmful practices against persons with disabilities. For example, your school should encourage respect for people with disabilities, and even young children should learn this.
Article 9: Accessibility
Governments are committed to providing people with disabilities with the opportunity to live independently and participate in their communities. Every public place, including buildings, roads, schools and hospitals, must be accessible to persons with disabilities, including disabled children. If you are in a public building and need assistance, you should have a guide, reader or professional fingerprint interpreter at your disposal to help you.
Article 10: Right to life
Every person is born with the right to life. Governments guarantee persons with disabilities the inalienable right to life on an equal basis with others.
Article 11: Situations of risk and emergency situations
Persons with disabilities, like all other people, have the right to protection and safety in the event of war, an emergency, or a natural disaster such as a hurricane. By law, you cannot be turned away from a shelter or left alone while rescuing other people simply because you are disabled.
Article 12: Equality before the law
Persons with disabilities have the same legal capacity as other people. This means that when you grow up, whether you are disabled or not, you will be able to get student loans or sign a lease to rent an apartment. You may also be the owner or heir of the property.
Article 13: Access to justice
If you have been the victim of a crime, seen others harmed, or have been accused of committing an illegal act, you have the right to receive impartial treatment in the investigation and adjudication of your case. You must be provided with assistance so that you can participate in all stages of the legal process.
Article 14: Liberty and security of person 
Governments should ensure that the freedom of people with disabilities, like the freedom of everyone else, is protected by law.
Article 15: Freedom from torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment
No one should be subjected to torture or ill-treatment. Every person also has the right to refuse to undergo medical or scientific experiments on him.
Article 16: Protection from violence and abuse
Children with disabilities should be protected from violence and abuse. They must be protected from abuse both at home and outside. If you have been abused or mistreated, you have the right to help to stop the abuse and get back to health.
Article 17: Personal protection
No one can treat you poorly because of your physical or mental characteristics. You have the right to be respected for who you are.
Article 18: Freedom of movement and citizenship
You have the right to life. This is a benefit given to you, and according to the rules of law, no one can take it away from you.
Every child has the right to a legally registered name, nationality, and, to the greatest extent possible, the right to know and be cared for by his parents. It is also impossible to prohibit a person from entering or leaving a country because of his disability.
Article 19: Independent living and community involvement
People have the right to choose where they live, whether they are disabled or not. When you grow up, you will have the right to live independently if you want to, as well as the right to be involved in your local community. You must also be given access to the support services needed to support living in the community, including help at home and personal assistance.
Article 20: Individual mobility
Children with disabilities have the right to move freely and independently. Governments must assist them in this.
Article 21: Freedom of expression and belief and access to information
People have the right to express their opinions, to seek, receive and impart information, and to receive information in forms that can be used and understood.
How can technology help?
Telephones, computers and other technical means must be such that people with disabilities can easily use them. For example, websites should be designed to allow the information they contain to be used by people who have difficulty using a keyboard, vision or hearing, or in another format. The computer may be equipped with a Braille keyboard or a speech synthesizer that speaks words that appear on the screen.
Article 22: Privacy
No one has the right to interfere in the privacy of people, regardless of whether they are disabled or not. People who have information about others, such as health information, should not disclose this information.
Article 23: Respect for home and family
Children with disabilities have the right to move freely and independently.
People have the right to live in their families. If you are disabled, the government should support your family through disability-related costs, information and services. You cannot be separated from your parents because of your disability! If you cannot live with your immediate family, the government should provide care for you through extended family or the community. Young people with disabilities have the same right as others to receive information about reproductive health, as well as the right to marry and start a family.
Article 24: Education
All people have the right to go to school. Just because you are disabled doesn't mean you shouldn't get an education. You don't need to go to special schools. You have the right to go to the same school and study the same subjects as other children, the government is obliged to provide you with the necessary help. For example, it should provide you with the ability to communicate so that your teachers understand how to respond to your needs.
Articles 25 and 26: Health and rehabilitation
Persons with disabilities have the right to receive health care services of the same quality and standard as others. If you have a disability, you also have the right to receive medical and rehabilitation services.
Article 27: Labor and employment
Persons with disabilities have an equal right to freely choose their place of work without being discriminated against.
Article 28: Adequate standard of living and social protection
Persons with disabilities have the right to receive food, clean water, clothing and housing without discrimination on the basis of disability. The government should help disabled children living in poverty.
Article 29: Participation in political and public life
Persons with disabilities have the right to take part in political and public life. When you reach the legal age in your country, you will be able to form political or community groups, serve the public, have access to voting booths, vote and be elected to government office, whether you are disabled or not.
Article 30: Participation in cultural life, leisure and recreation and sports
Disabled people, on an equal basis with others, have the right to engage in art, sports, take part in various games, act in films, etc. Therefore, theatres, museums, playgrounds and libraries must be accessible to everyone, including children with disabilities.
Article 31: Statistics and data collection
States Parties should collect data on persons with disabilities to improve programs and services. Persons with disabilities participating in research have the right to be treated with respect and humanity. Any private information coming from them must be kept confidential. The statistics collected must be accessible to persons with disabilities and others.
Article 32: International cooperation
States Parties should assist each other in implementing the provisions of the Convention. States that have more resources (such as scientific information, useful technologies) are shared with other states so that more people can enjoy the rights enshrined in the Convention.
Articles 33 to 50: Provisions on cooperation, monitoring and implementation of the Convention
In total, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities consists of 50 articles. Articles 33 to 50 address how adults, particularly persons with disabilities and their organizations, and governments should cooperate to ensure that the rights of all persons with disabilities are fully respected.
Two worlds... 
The world of sounds and the world of silence,
Ghostly, and unable to unite...
Tears are rolling...
Without asking, both worlds reject
Forcing you to feel that you don't belong...
Tears are rolling...
However, hands
Repel, attract and support
Incessantly...
Tears are rolling, a smile is visible through them...
I'm still between two worlds
But I'm loved...
Sarah Leslie, 16 years old, USA
How rights become reality
The rights of disabled children are no different from the rights of all children. You yourself can tell the world about the Convention. People must speak up and take action if they want a society that is inclusive of all people.
If you are disabled, this Convention offers you, your family and your government the tools to realize your rights and dreams. You should have equal opportunities to go to school and participate in activities. The adults around you should help you move around, communicate and play with other children, regardless of your disability.
You are a citizen, a member of your family and community, and you have a lot to contribute.
Stand up for your rights and others will stand with you. All children CAN go to school, CAN play and CAN participate in everything. There is no word “I can’t”, there is only the word “I CAN”.
Victor Santiago Pineda
Glossary
Assistive devices - means without which you will not be able to perform certain actions; for example, a wheelchair that helps you move around, or large print on a computer screen that is easier to read.
Universal Declaration of Human Rights - a declaration that lists the rights of all people. It was proclaimed by UN member states on December 10, 1948.
States Parties - countries that have signed and agreed to the text of the Convention.
Discrimination - unfair treatment of a person or group of people for reasons such as race, religion, gender or differences in ability.
Dignity is an innate value and right to respect that every person has. This is self-respect. Treating you with dignity means treating you with respect from other people.
Law - relating to the law, based on the law or required by law.
Implementation - bringing something into execution. The implementation of the articles of this Convention implies the implementation of the promises contained in it.
Committee - a group of people chosen to work together and help a larger group of people.
Communication - exchange of information. It also includes the method of reading, speaking, or understanding information using multimedia, large print, Braille, sign language, or reading services.
Convention - a treaty or agreement concluded by a group of countries in order to develop and enforce the same laws.
Convention on the Rights of the Child - an agreement providing that all children can enjoy their rights as members of society and receive the special care and protection they need as children. It is the treaty adopted by the largest number of countries in the entire history of human rights documents.
Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities - an agreement stipulating that all people, including disabled children, have equal rights.
Muscular dystrophy - a disease that causes muscles to weaken over time.
Community - a group of people living in a certain place. It also means a group of people with common interests and problems.
United Nations - an organization that includes almost all countries of the world. Government representatives from various countries meet at the UN in New York and work together to promote peace and improve the lives of all people.
Accept - formally approve and approve (for example, a convention or declaration).
Inherent dignity of man - a dignity that all people possess from the moment of birth.
Ratification (ratify) - formal approval of a signed convention or agreement and giving it the status of law in a given country.
Articles - a paragraph or section of a legal document that has its own number; These numbers help you find information, write and talk about it.
UNICEF - UN Children's Fund. It is an agency of the UN system that deals with children's rights, survival, development and protection in order to make the world a better, safer and friendlier place for children and for all of us.
What can you do?
It is important to change existing attitudes and rules so that children with disabilities can go to school, play and do the things that all children want to do. Do your school have children with disabilities and do they participate in all activities? Do teachers listen to and help those of you with special needs? Is the school building equipped with ramps, does it have a fingerprint interpreter or other assistive technology? Fine! This means that your school treats children with disabilities fairly and gives them equal opportunities to learn. Your school complies with the Convention.
Unfortunately, many people treat disabled children unfairly. You can do your part to ensure that there is no discrimination in your community. In your home and school, you can begin to work to change the opinions of your parents and teachers.
There are many things you can do to educate others about the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the potential of young people with disabilities. For example, you can:
Join an organization or take part in a campaign. Quantity gives strength. To join forces, you can support or join a local chapter of a national or global organization. They can run special campaigns and programs for young people.
Create your own project. Start an awareness campaign, organize a fundraiser, do research (Has anyone you know been discriminated against? Perhaps your school only has stairs and no ramps?), write a petition asking for the obstacles you find to be removed .
Organize a club to promote the implementation of the provisions of the Convention. Gather children with different abilities, hold friends' meetings and invite new people. Watch movies together and have dinners together. Just have fun and enjoy each other's unique abilities and talents.
Give a presentation at your school and neighboring schools, talk about the rights of people with disabilities. Get creative. Draw posters and perform skits to help your classmates understand their rights under the Convention. Ask a parent or teacher to help organize the presentation and determine the location and time for it. Invite the school principal to your presentation.
With your friends, you can make various crafts that will educate people about the rights of people with disabilities. These can be drawings, paintings and sculptures - anything that helps spread information. Try exhibiting your work at school, local libraries, galleries, or restaurants—anywhere people can appreciate your art. Over time, you can change the location of your collection, then more people will know about the Convention.
We've just given a few ideas as to what you can do - there are no restrictions. Ask an adult to help you implement your ideas and get down to business.
Materials used
The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Optional Protocol entered into force on 3 May 2008. Russia also signed the Convention. However, many people with disabilities have little idea of its purpose. Let's try, at least on the eve of the Day of Persons with Disabilities, to briefly consider the main provisions of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Guiding principles of the Convention
There are eight guiding principles that underlie the Convention and each of its specific articles:
a. Respect for the inherent dignity of the human person, personal autonomy, including the freedom to make one's own choices, and the independence of persons
b. Non-discrimination
c. Full and effective integration into society
d. Respect for differences and acceptance of persons with disabilities as part of human diversity and humanity
e. Equality of opportunity
f. Availability
g. Equality between men and women
h. Respect for the developing abilities of children with disabilities and respect for the right of children with disabilities to maintain their individuality
“What is the purpose of the convention?” Don McKay, chairman of the committee that negotiated its adoption, said that its main task was to detail the rights of people with disabilities and work out ways to implement them.
Countries that have acceded to the Convention must themselves develop and implement policies, laws and administrative measures to ensure the rights enshrined in the Convention and the abolition of laws, regulations and practices that are discriminatory (Article 4).
Changing the perception of the very concept of disability is important for improving the situation of persons with disabilities, for countries to ratify the Convention to combat stereotypes and prejudices, and for raising awareness of the capabilities of people with disabilities (Article 8).
Countries must ensure that persons with disabilities enjoy their inalienable right to life on an equal basis with others (Article 10), as well as ensuring the equal rights and advancement of women and girls with disabilities (Article 6) and the protection of children with disabilities (Article 7).
Children with disabilities should have equal rights, should not be separated from their parents against their will, unless social protection authorities determine that this is in the best interests of the child, and should not be separated from their parents under any circumstances. based on the disability of the child or parents (Article 23).
Countries must recognize that all people are equal before the law, prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability, and guarantee equal legal protection (Article 5).
Countries must ensure equal rights to own and inherit property, control financial affairs and have equal access to bank loans, mortgages (Article 12). Equality consists of ensuring access to justice on an equal basis with other persons (Article 13), persons with disabilities have the right to freedom and security, and not to be deprived of their liberty unlawfully or arbitrarily (Article 14).
Countries must protect the physical and mental integrity of persons with disabilities, as they do for everyone else (Article 17), guarantee freedom from torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, and prohibit medical or scientific experimentation without the consent of persons with disabilities or their consent. guardians (Article 15).
Laws and administrative measures must guarantee freedom from exploitation, violence and abuse. In cases of abuse, States must facilitate the recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration of victims and the investigation of abuse (Article 16).
Persons with disabilities may not be subject to arbitrary or unlawful interference with their privacy, family life, home, correspondence or communication. The confidentiality of their personal, medical and rehabilitation information must be protected in the same way as other members of society (Article 22).
Addressing the fundamental question of accessibility of the physical environment (Article 9), the Convention requires countries to take action to identify and remove obstacles and barriers and ensure that persons with disabilities can access transport, public facilities and services, and information services. and communication technologies.
Persons with disabilities must be able to live independently, be included in public life, choose where and with whom to live, and have access to housing and services (Article 19). Personal mobility and independence must be ensured by promoting personal mobility, training in mobility skills and access to freedom of movement, assistive technology and assistance with daily living matters (Article 20).
Countries recognize the right to an adequate standard of living and social protection. This includes public housing, needs-based disability services and assistance, and disability-related expenses in the event of poverty (Article 28).
Countries should promote access to information by making information available to the general public in accessible formats and using technology, by promoting the use of Braille, sign language and other forms of communication, and by encouraging media and Internet service providers to make information available online. accessible formats (Article 21).
Discrimination regarding marriage, family and personal relationships must be eliminated. Persons with disabilities must have equal opportunities for fatherhood and motherhood, marriage and the right to found a family, decide on the number of children, have access to services in the field of reproductive health and family planning, education, and also enjoy equal rights and responsibilities in relation to guardianship and trusteeship , guardianship and adoption of children (Article 23).
States should promote equal access to primary and secondary education, vocational training, adult education and lifelong learning. Education must be carried out using appropriate materials, methods and forms of communication. Students who require assistive measures and students who are blind, deaf or deaf-mute should be educated in the most appropriate forms of communication with teachers who are fluent in sign language and Braille. The education of persons with disabilities should promote their participation in society, the preservation of their sense of dignity and self-respect and the development of their personality, abilities and creativity (Article 24).
Persons with disabilities have the right to the highest attainable standard of health without discrimination on the basis of disability. They must receive the same range, quality and level of free or low-cost health care provided to others, receive health care services based on their disability, and not be discriminated against in the provision of health insurance (Article 25).
In order for persons with disabilities to achieve maximum independence, countries must provide comprehensive medical care and rehabilitation services in the fields of health, employment and education (Article 26).
Persons with disabilities have equal rights to work and can earn their own living. Countries must prohibit discrimination in employment matters related to the promotion of self-employment, entrepreneurship and business establishment, the employment of persons with disabilities in the public sector, the promotion of their employment in the private sector, and ensure that they are provided at a reasonable distance from their place of residence to their place of work (Article 27 ).
Countries must ensure equal participation in political and public life, including the right to vote, stand for election and hold certain positions (Article 29).
Countries should promote participation in cultural life, leisure, recreation and sport by ensuring that television programmes, films, drama and cultural material are made available in accessible forms, making theatres, museums, cinemas and libraries accessible, and ensuring that persons with disabilities have the opportunity to develop and use their creative potential not only for their own benefit, but also for the enrichment of society (v. 30).
Countries must provide assistance to developing countries for the practical implementation of the Convention (Article 32).
To ensure implementation and monitoring of the Convention, countries must appoint a focal point within the government and establish a national mechanism to facilitate and monitor implementation (Article 33).
The Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, composed of independent experts, will receive periodic reports from States parties on progress made in the implementation of the Convention (Articles 34 to 39).
Article 18 of the Optional Protocol on Communications allows individuals and groups to lodge complaints directly with the Committee once all national appeal procedures have been exhausted.
Ad Hoc Committee on a Comprehensive and Integrated International Convention for the Protection and Promotion of the Rights and Dignity of Persons with Disabilities
Eighth session
New York, August 14–25, 2006
Interim report of the Ad Hoc Committee on the Comprehensive Integrated International Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights and Dignity of Persons with Disabilities on the work of its eighth session
I. Introduction
1. In its resolution 56/168 of 19 December 2001, the General Assembly decided to establish an Ad Hoc Committee on a comprehensive and integrated international convention on the protection and promotion of the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities, based on an integrated approach to work in the field of social development, human rights and non-discrimination and taking into account recommendations of the Human Rights Commission and the Commission for Social Development.
2. In its resolution 60/232 of 23 December 2005, the General Assembly decided that the Ad Hoc Committee, within existing resources, would hold two sessions in 2006, prior to the sixty-first session of the General Assembly: one of 15 working days from 16 January to 3 February , in order to fully complete the reading of the draft convention prepared by the Chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee, and one lasting 10 working days from 7 to 18 August.
3. At its seventh session, the Ad Hoc Committee recommended that the eighth session be held from 14 to 25 August 2006.
II. Organizational issues
A. Opening and duration of the eighth session
4. The Ad Hoc Committee held its eighth session at United Nations Headquarters from 14 to 25 August 2006. During its session, the Ad Hoc Committee held 20 meetings.
5. The substantive secretariat of the Ad Hoc Committee was provided by the Division for Social Policy and Development of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs, and the secretariat services for the Ad Hoc Committee were provided by the Disarmament and Decolonization Branch of the Department for General Assembly and Conference Management.
6. The eighth session of the Ad Hoc Committee was opened by the Chairman of the Committee, Don Makai, Ambassador of New Zealand.
B. Officials
7. The Bureau of the Special Committee continued to consist of the following officials:
Chairman:
Don Makai (New Zealand)
Deputy Chairmen:
Jorge Ballestero (Costa Rica)
Petra Ali Dolakova (Czech Republic)
Muataz Hiasat (Jordan)
Fiola Hoosen (South Africa)
