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Human Rights – the History
Jun 1, 2024
The history of human rights
We believe that everyone should have equal rights.
While progress has been made, challenges remain. Discrimination, lack of access to services, and societal attitudes still limit opportunities for many people with a learning disability, autism and other support needs. Advocacy groups and individuals continue to fight for full equality and inclusion.
The rights of people with a learning disability, autism and other support needs, have developed from being largely ignored to being recognised and protected by law. Today, the focus is on ensuring these rights are fully realized in everyday life, so everyone can live with dignity, independence, and respect.
‘Nothing About Us Without Us’
The History of Human Rights
The development of human rights for people with a learning disability, autism and other support needs has been a journey of increasing recognition, inclusion, and equality over time.
Early Days: Exclusion and Isolation
In the past, people with a learning disability, autism and other support needs were often excluded from society. Many lived in institutions where they had little freedom or choice. They were not seen as equal members of the community, and their rights were often ignored.
The Shift to Rights and Inclusion
From the mid-20th century, attitudes began to change. People started to understand that everyone, regardless of ability, has the same basic rights. This shift was influenced by global movements for human rights, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948), which stated that everyone should be treated equally and with dignity.
Key Milestones
1970s-1980s: Deinstitutionalization
Many large institutions closed, and people with a learning disability began to move into community-based settings. This was based on the idea that they should have the right to live in society like everyone else.
1981: Education Rights
The Education Act in the UK ensured that children with a learning disability had the right to an education tailored to their needs. This marked an important step toward inclusion in schools.
1990s: Legal Protections
Laws like the Disability Discrimination Act (1995) in the UK made it illegal to treat people unfairly because of their disabilities. This gave people with a learning disability more rights in areas like employment, education, and accessing services.
2000s: UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2006)
The UNCRPD is an international agreement. This emphasized that people with disabilities have the same rights as everyone else, including the right to make their own decisions, work, and live independently.
Ongoing Work
While progress has been made, challenges remain. Discrimination, lack of access to services, and societal attitudes still limit opportunities for many people with a learning disability, autism and other support needs. Advocacy groups like our TILII members and individuals continue to fight for full equality and inclusion.
- Human Rights
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- ECNI UNCRPD & Optional Protocol – Equality Commission NI
- ECNI UNCRPD & Optional Protocol (Plain language version) – Equality Commission NI
- Working together to close the gaps – ECNI Case Study
- UK Report of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights – UN Treaty Body Database, 2024
- A Guide to the Human Rights Act: A booklet for people with Learning Disabilities – Ministry of Justice