Parliament adopts UN disability convention

THE National Assembly yesterday adopted the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities after a short debate.

Deputy Prime Minister Dr Libertina Amathila, who tabled the convention, told the House it would promote and protect the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities. “This will entail non-discrimination and the implementation of standards and guidelines, equal opportunities and involvement of people with disabilities in decision-making.”After a short debate in which few members participated, the Convention was adopted for ratification.The convention provides equal status for people with disabilities regarding education, work opportunities and decision-making.”State parties shall ensure that persons with disabilities can fully participate in political and public life on equal basis with others, directly or through freely chosen representatives,” the Convention states.”This will entail non-discrimination and the implementation of standards and guidelines, equal opportunities and involvement of people with disabilities in decision-making.”After a short debate in which few members participated, the Convention was adopted for ratification.The convention provides equal status for people with disabilities regarding education, work opportunities and decision-making.”State parties shall ensure that persons with disabilities can fully participate in political and public life on equal basis with others, directly or through freely chosen representatives,” the Convention states.