International Telecommunication Union Workshop
“Accessibility to ICTs”,
Shanghai, China, 23 July 2010
The Convention on the Rights of
Persons with Disabilities: overview
and implications for ICTs
Silvia Lavagnoli
Adviser on Human Rights and Disability
Office of the High Commissioner for
Human Rights (OHCHR)
ITU Workshop on Accessibility to ICTs, 23 July 2010, Shanghai, China
International
Telecommunication
Union
Structure of Presentation
Overview of the Convention on the
Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Accessibility in the CRPD
Obligations arising from the CRPD
ITU Workshop on Accessibility to ICTs, 23 July 2010, Shanghai, China
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CORE INTERNATIONAL HUMAN
RIGHTS INSTRUMENTS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights - 1966
International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural
Rights - 1966
Convention on the Elimination of All forms of Racial
Discrimination - 1965
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination
against Women - 1979
Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or
Degrading Treatment or Punishment – 1984
Convention on the Rights of the Child - 1989
Convention on the protection of the Rights of All Migrants
Workers and members of Their Families - 1990
ITU Workshop on Accessibility to ICTs, 23 July 2010, Shanghai, China
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The Convention making process
UN GA
establishes
the Ad Hoc
Committee
(2001)
Working
Group
works
First sessions on text
(2004 to
focus over
2006)
shape and
features of
the
instrument
(2002-2003)
ITU Workshop on Accessibility to ICTs, 23 July 2010, Shanghai, China
Drafting
Group works
on
terminology
and language
Sept-Nov
2006)
Adoption
by GA (Dec
2006)
CRPD & Opt.
Protocol
opened for
signature
(May 2008)
only 5 years to elaborate,
negotiate and adopt an
international HR treaty: fast
process!
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Map of signatures and ratifications
ITU Workshop on Accessibility to ICTs, 23 July 2010, Shanghai, China
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structure and content of the CRPD
Preamble
Purpose
50 articles
Definitions
Principles
Obligations
Specific rights
Enabling measures
Implementation and Monitoring
Final Clauses
ITU Workshop on Accessibility to ICTs, 23 July 2010, Shanghai, China
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Disability as a human rights issue
“results from the interaction between
persons with impairments and attitudinal
and environmental barriers .. ”
(preamble)
“persons with disabilities include 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” (art.1)
ITU Workshop on Accessibility to ICTs, 23 July 2010, Shanghai, China
International
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Accessibility = Enabling Measure

to promote, protect and ensure the full and
equal enjoyment of all human rights and
fundamental freedoms by all persons with
disabilities…
(art. 1)

importance of accessibility to the physical, social,
economic and cultural environment (..) and to
information and communication, in enabling
persons with disabilities to fully enjoy all
human rights and fundamental freedoms
(preamble)
ITU Workshop on Accessibility to ICTs, 23 July 2010, Shanghai, China
International
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Article 3 – General Principles
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Respect for inherent dignity, individual
autonomy including the freedom to make one's
own choices, and independence of persons;
Non-discrimination;
Full and effective participation and
inclusion in society;
Respect for difference and acceptance of
persons with disabilities as part of human
diversity and humanity;
Equality of opportunity;
Accessibility;
Equality between men and women;
Respect for the evolving capacities of children
with disabilities and respect for the right of
children with disabilities to preserve their
identities.
International
ITU Workshop on Accessibility to ICTs, 23 July 2010, Shanghai, China
Telecommunication
Union
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Article 9 – Accessibility
Physical environment
Transportation
Information/Communication/
Technologies
Public facilities and services
ITU Workshop on Accessibility to ICTs, 23 July 2010, Shanghai, China
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Several other provisions
Art. 20 - Personal mobility
 Art. 21 – Freedom of expression and
opinion and access to information
 Art. 24 - Education
 Art. 26 - Habilitation and rehabilitation
 Art. 27 – Employment
 Art. 29 - Participation in public and
political life
 Art. 31 – Statistics and data collection
 Art. 32 – International cooperation

ITU Workshop on Accessibility to ICTs, 23 July 2010, Shanghai, China
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Implementation
”adopt all appropriate legislative,
administrative and other measures” (art. 4)
 and specifically






Standards and guidelines
R&D for universal design
R&D for ICTs
Promote access to ICTS
Training
Accessibility of private sector
 Affordability

ITU Workshop on Accessibility to ICTs, 23 July 2010, Shanghai, China
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Where?
National level
International cooperation (art. 32)
And the United Nations?
ITU Workshop on Accessibility to ICTs, 23 July 2010, Shanghai, China
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CONTACTS
www.ohchr.org, www.
http://www2.ohchr.org/english/issue
s/disability/index.htm
Silvia Lavagnoli, +41 (0)22 9289586
and slavagnoli@ohchr.org
ITU Workshop on Accessibility to ICTs, 23 July 2010, Shanghai, China
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