Canberra, Australia
— Attorney-General Philip Ruddock and Minister for
Family and Community Services, Senator Kay Patterson,
today announced Australia has provided a written
contribution for inclusion in a draft text for
negotiation of a Convention on the Rights of People
with Disabilities.
Australia’s written
contribution focuses on accessibility – stressing
the importance of taking appropriate measures to provide
an environment which enables people with disabilities to
access their fundamental human rights.
A UN working group, established by
the United Nations Ad Hoc Committee on a Comprehensive
and Integral International Convention on Protection and
Promotion of the Rights and Dignity of Persons with
Disabilities is currently meeting in New York to prepare
this text, to be negotiated by UN member
states.
Australia’s continuing
participation in this important process demonstrates the
Government’s commitment to working towards ensuring
participation of people with disabilities in all levels
of society.
An Australian delegation
participated in the second meeting of the UN Ad Hoc
Committee in June 2003.
The delegation comprised
representatives from the Australian Government, the Human
Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC) and the
disability community. Further meetings are scheduled for
2004.
The Government will continue to
consult with stakeholders throughout this
process.
Australia’s contribution to
the draft text can be seen at www.ag.gov.au/publications
