Motion Passed Adopting UNCRPD!

Private Members Bill incorporating the UNCRPD in public authorities.

In August 2024, the Alliance Party proposed a need for a new law.  This is to make sure public authorities in Northern Ireland follow the rules of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). This law would require them to consider these rights in everything they do. The goal is to improve disability rights. And to reduce discrimination against people with disabilities.  And yesterday this motion was passed by 37 votes to 33.

This means the NI Executive will include the UNCRPD in domestic law. And this should help Government policies ensure those with a disability are treated fairly and have equal access to opportunities.

So what is the UNCRPD and how could the passing of this motion help people with a learning disability, autism or additional support needs?

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD)

The UNCRPD is an international treaty which aims to make sure that disabled people

• enjoy the same human rights as everyone else
• can participate fully in society
• and get the same opportunities as others.

And it covers a wide range of areas including:

• health
• education and employment
• access to justice
• personal security
• independent living
• and access to information.

So the UK signed up to the Convention in 2009.  And Article 33(2) of the UNCRPD requires Countries to set up or strengthen a system within their laws.  And this system should be independent.  Because the systems role is to promote, protect, and check how the Convention is being followed.  So in Northern Ireland both the Equality Commission (ECNI) and the Human Rights Commission (NIHRC) have been chosen to work together.

How have we been doing?

Since we signed up to the UNCRPD there have been many reports that say we can do better to uphold the human rights of people with disabilities. In 2012 the leader of the Equality Commission talked about a report .  And described how this research will help inform Government and Public Policy makers when they are considering issues which may affect the lives of disabled people.

But as recent as February 2022 Disability Action on behalf of the Equality Commission reported the reality of life for people with a disability. And in March this year, the official UK report of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights showed there was much more that needs to be done.

Helping people with a learning disability, autism and other support needs

Adopting the UNCRPD into domestic law will greatly help people with a learning disability, autism, and other support needs. As it protects, respects, and promotes their rights in line with international human rights standards. And helps Government policies to be modern and move with the times.

Here’s how this can make a difference:

Inclusive Education

• Support for Learning: Schools would have to provide the right help, like personalised support and assistive tools, so everyone can learn equally.
• Ending Separation: This encourages schools to include students with a learning disability, autism and other support needs in regular classrooms, helping peers to learn together.

Better Access to Services

• Healthcare: The law ensures people with a learning disability, autism and other support needs can access proper and fair healthcare.
• Community Life: It promotes services that allow people to live independently and be active members of their community, instead of being placed in institutions.

Fair Employment Opportunities

• Inclusive Workplaces: Workplaces would need to be more accessible and fair, offering adjustments to support people with a learning disability, autism and other support needs.
• Job Training: Programs would help people build skills and prepare for work opportunities.

And Most Importantly…

Legal Recognition and Protection

• Equal Rights: This law ensures people with a learning disability, autism, and other support needs are treated as equals and protected from discrimination in schools, workplaces, healthcare, and social services.
• Accountability: Governments and organisations must follow the rules in the UNCRPD. If they don’t, individuals or advocacy groups can take legal action to protect their rights.

Involvement in Decision-Making

• Right to Decide: The law would recognise that people with a  learning disability, autism and other support needs have the right to make choices about their own lives, with support if needed.
• Participation in Society: Barriers to activities like voting or joining community groups would be removed, so everyone can have a say.

Changing Attitudes

• Raising Awareness: Campaigns would help reduce stereotypes and encourage respect for people with disabilities.
• Training Professionals: Workers in healthcare, education, and other areas would be trained to better support people with a learning disability, autism and other support needs.

By making the UNCRPD part of domestic law, governments commit to building a fair and inclusive society.  And further develop policies and strategies to achieve real change.  We welcome this motion and its passing.  Because we believe this will help people with a learning disability, autism, and other support needs to live as equals. And to reach their full potential.

So how will ARC NI help?

Our event in Learning Disability Week showed our Government Departments some of the barriers people with a learning disability, autism and other support needs continue to face.  And we are continuing this conversation at our conference in March 2025.

We will continue to support new staff to understand how to meet the needs of people with a learning disability, autism and other support needs.  We have been delivering this co-produced training with TILII for 20 years.

And we will continue to champion human rights within the learning disability community and hold our government to account.  And improve the lives of people supported through real change.