(DWP) New anti-discrimination treaty for disabled people on track for June

A major UN treaty that will enshrine the human rights of disabled people will soon be ratified by the UK, Jonathan Shaw, Minister for Disabled People, announced today.

Covering all aspects of life, including health, education, employment and access to justice, the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) reaffirms that disabled people have - and should be able to enjoy - their human rights on an equal basis with non-disabled people.

Jonathan Shaw said: "I'm pleased to say the Parliamentary processes for ratification are complete, and we are now on track to formally ratify the Convention in June. After careful consideration it remains our view that the handful of reservations and the interpretative declaration are required and we will proceed on that basis. Once ratified we can start implementing the Convention, which will have a positive impact on the lives of disabled people.

"The Government has always been very clear about the importance of this Convention. Ratification is a further demonstration of our commitment to ensuring the equality of human rights for disabled people, and our determination to achieve equality by 2025."

European Parliament votes to extend anti-discrimination legislation

Today the European Parliament adopted the report by Dutch Green MEP Kathalijne Buitenweg, which extends discrimination protection beyond the labour market to goods and services for the discrimination grounds of sexual orientation, disability, age and religion/belief.

The proposal now appears likely to be adopted during the Swedish Presidency of the EU, following last week's commitment by the Swedish government to do so.

Jean Lambert, London's Green MEP, Co-President of the cross-party Intergroup on Ageing and Member of the Intergroup on Gay and Lesbian Rights, commented:

"I am very proud that we succeeded in getting a Parliament majority to support this extension of legal protection against discrimination beyond the labour market.

"This is a long overdue victory for the millions of people across Europe at risk of discrimination on grounds of their age, disability, sexual orientation or faith or belief.

"Despite the obvious benefits of greater equality in all areas of society, it has taken months of hard work to win support for the new legislation in the European Parliament. In the face of external pressure, I am delighted that a clear majority voted for these new rules.

"However, I regret that many in the PPE/ED Group felt unable to vote for the proposals. I believe this shows we still have some way to go in developing a Europe of real equality."