Brussels, 21/04/2008 (Agence Europe) - One year after the convention on the rights of persons with disabilities was opened for signing, its ratification by 20 states means that it will come into effect on 3 May, Handicap International has announced. The convention, adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations on 13 December 2006, is now an international binding law. While welcoming this “step forward”, Handicap International said that it would “remain vigilant to ensure that it is fully applied in all states, particularly with regard to persons with disabilities being systematically taken into account in international cooperation and in emergency situations”.
Handicap International says in a press release that the coming into effect of the convention will require states that are party to it to incorporate anti-discrimination measures in their national laws, such as on access to facilities and services. More information is available at http://www.handicap-international.fr/convention or http://www.un.org/disabilities (G.B.)