UN Special Rapporteur on Disability

Genesis:UN resolution 48/96, December 1993Adoption of the

Standard Rules for the Equalization of Opportunities for People with

Disabilities

The Standard Rules:

Set of 22 rules covering all aspects of life for persons with disabilities.

They constitute guidelines for governments, societies, the public and private sectors

Divided into 4 categories: Pre-conditions Target Areas Implementation Measures Monitoring Mechanisms

Monitoring…

To fulfill the Monitoring function, the post of Special Rapporteur was created

First Rapporteur: Bengt Lindqvist, Sweden, 1993-2002

Second Rapporteur: Hissa Al Thani, Qatar, 2003-

Functions of the Rapporteur

Furthering implementation of the Standard Rules

Raising awareness Monitoring Advocacy Coordination & cooperation (gov’t, NGOs,

disabled peoples organizations) Advisory/consultative services Reporting to the UN CSD, UNHCHR, & the

Secretary General

Vision

A world free of all forms of discrimination, obstacles and

barriers; which enables its members to fully realize their potential.

A world that allows all its member to participate equally in the enjoyment of its resources and to contribute to

its advancement.

Mission

To promote and monitor the implementation of the Standard Rules on the

Equalization of Opportunities for People with Disabilities, and to advance their status

throughout the world.

ACTIVITIES of the UN Special Rapporteur on Disability

Suggested Areas of Cooperation

Global Survey 10 years since the adoption of the Standard

Rules, In accordance with the mandate of the Special

Rapporteur, A global survey was designed to assess the

progress made on implementation of the Standard Rules: Covering 193 countries 286 NGOs and DPOs 48 regional organizations To be sent out at the end of September, 2004 Returns expected in January, 2005 Analysis to be completed in February, 2005

Arab Decade for Persons with Disabilities

Adopted by the Arab League in May 2004

Document did not reflect a rights-based approach to people with disabilities;

Not a suited as a base for strong legislation;

Allowed for loopholes & qualifications Covered 11 areas of concern, including

women, children and older people with disabilities

Contributions of the Special Rapporteur to AD

To strengthen the Arab Decade document

To formulate a workable action plan specific to the needs of each sub-region

To give voice to DPOs in the region on their own issues

To make use of the experiences of the African and Asian Decades

To strengthen cooperation on disability issues among international and regional organizations

Continued…

To build the capacity of parliamentarians, legislators, people with disabilities and their organizations

To raise awareness of disability issues at governmental, social, public and private levels

To keep the momentum generated by the declaration of the Arab Decade

Activities relating to Arab Decade

Meeting of Experts (Beirut, Lebanon, August 2004)

Strengthening the capacity to legislate in disability issues (Parliamentary coordination)

Capacity building through sub-regional meetings and coordinated actions

Monitoring of the implementation of the Arab Decade

Media-driven awareness raising campaign (TV spots & documentary)

Regional Consultations

Aimed at: Furthering the implementation of the

Standard Rules Monitoring the progress of countries in

implementation Raising awareness of issues of people with

disabilities

Regional Consultation…

A meeting in each of the six regions to include: NGOs and DPOs Government officials at the highest levels Ministries and official departments

concerned with disabilities (i.e. Social Affairs, Health, Housing…etc.)

International organizations working in that region

Regional Consultations…

Three representative countries in each region are chosen for extensive review and negotiation with governments

Overall purpose: To discuss issues, recognize positive government

contributions, encourage further work To highlight the successes To transfer knowledge and good practice To lend support to DPOs To arbitrate the relationship between governments

and DPOs

In-house Research

Conducting research in-house on all regions of the world regarding every aspect relating to disability

Research will be published in several volumes

Publications will provide country profiles to be used by researchers, advocates, activists and policy makers

Suggested areas of cooperation

Sponsoring the Global Survey Supporting Arab Decade Visiting Program for Parliamentarians Regional Consultations In-house Research

Suggested areas of cooperation

Sponsoring the Global Survey Estimated cost USD 200,000

Supporting Arab Decade Estimated cost USD 900,000

Visiting Program for Parliamentarians 200 Parliamentarians @ USD 10,000 per person

Regional Consultations USD 250,000 per region x 6 regions

In-house Research Estimated cost USD 250,000