Press Release April 7, 2008

It is with exuberance that the Secretariat for the African Decade of Persons with Disabilities (SADPD) acknowledges the ratification of the UN Convention on the rights of Persons with Disabilities.  The UN Convention is a result of a collective global effort, in which various African countries as well as the Secretariat have actively participated and contributed to. 

The convention is instrumental in addressing the inhumane treatment of people who have disabilities and ensures that people with disabilities can enjoy their undeniable human rights. It also provides mechanisms through which attitudinal, social and environmental barriers can be lowered and ultimately eradicated in order to accommodate the needs of those with disabilities in order that they may participate fully and meaningfully in society.

The first ratification of this convention took place in 2007. In order for the convention to take effect, it takes thirty days after the 20th country has ratified it. After the ratification of Ecuador, Jordan and Tunisia on 3 April 2008, 20 countries have ratified, and the Convention will therefore come into force on 03 May 2008. To commemorate this groundbreaking accomplishment, the United Nations will be having an entrée into force celebration on 12th May 2008, in New York. 
 
The ratification of the Convention is a culmination of the commitment of various stakeholders including Governments, Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs), civil society groups as well as development agencies.  The SADPD is proud to be part of an historic quest for the realisation of equal rights for all human beings and commends Gabon, Guinea, Namibia, Republic of South Africa and Tunisia for taking the lead among African states. The Secretariat shall continue to undertake its work with both governments and Disabled Person’s Organisations (DPOs) across the African continent, encouraging countries to ratify the convention as well as providing support in the implementation of the convention at country level.

For more information visit our website: www.africandecade.org or contact us at:
Telephone: +27 (0)21 426 5858  Fax: +27 (0) 21 422 0861
Email: info@africandecade.co.za

For further information on the UN Convention on the rights of Persons with Disabilities please visit: http://www.un.org/disabilities/