Calling on leaders to support UN convention

WHEN politicians talk about doing things “for the country” I presume they mean “for the people” — or do they? Let’s see.

In December 2006 the UN adopted a Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The purpose of the Convention is to protect the rights and dignity of disabled people. To date, 97 countries have ratified the Convention. Ireland has not.

A government spokesperson recently tried to give the impression that all legislative and administrative requirements of the convention have to be met before ratification. If this were the case with UN conventions very few would ever be ratified. “Progressive realisation” allows countries to take steps, such as developing time-bound plans of actions in key areas, ensuring that appropriate funding is allocated.

I ask the leaders of all political parties which hope to be part of the next Dáil and which agree that the rights of disabled people should be protected, to make a public commitment prior to the forthcoming election to support the ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities within six months of taking office.

Dr Arthur O’Reilly

Mount Merrion

Co Dublin