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