Australian Employers Network on Disability

The Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission has welcomed the Australian Government’s announcement that it will sign the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in New York on 30 March.

The Convention adds to existing human rights laws by confirming once and for all that people with disability are entitled to the full range of human rights. It also provides clearer goals for governments throughout the world to work towards ensuring human rights in practice for people with disability.

“I’m very proud and happy that Australia will be among the first nations to sign this Convention,” Human Rights Commissioner and Commissioner responsible for Disability Discrimination, Graeme Innes AM, said.

Commissioner Innes served as part of the Australian Government delegation which negotiated the Convention.

“Australia played a very constructive role in producing this Convention and it is pleasing to see that commitment continuing,” Commissioner Innes said.

Signing the Convention allows governments to show commitment to the purposes of the Convention. The next step is to ratify, or formally become party to, the Convention.

Nations which ratify the Convention commit themselves to taking measures to implement in practice the rights which are recognised by the Convention, including through reviewing laws and government programs.

“We now look forward to the Australian Government working positively towards ratifying and implementing the Convention in consultation with state and territory governments and with the disability community,” Commissioner Innes said.

Media contact: Louise McDermott (02) 9284 9851 or 0419 258 597.