Government attitude towards disabled criticised by Robinson

THE UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson, has criticised the Irish Government for fighting attempts to provide rights for disabled people as it prepares to host the Special Olympics.

Ireland's former president said she understood Government officials in the UN were resisting a global plan which would strengthen rights of disabled people and minorities. "Ireland prides itself for its record on this level, but doesn't want this rights-based approach. I'm very sorry to hear that we have the special Olympics coming and it's a moment for the Government to act," she said.

The global plan being talked about at Government level is a bid to strengthen a UN covenant which Ireland has already signed up, aimed at ending discrimination against all citizens.

But the Irish Government has already been sharply criticised by a UN group which said it had failed to act on the existing covenant's provisions.

In a stinging rebuke earlier this summer, it said the Government's plans to introduce a Disability Bill which was later withdrawn before the election would have removed the rights of some citizens.

It also said the Government had not reflected the covenant in domestic legislation, nor had it been invoked in case law in the courts.

Ms Robinson said the covenant, known as the UN Convention on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, was a vitally important document which the Government must respect.

"It's an issue I feel very strongly about. I have very strongly supported the increasing involvement of disability groups using the covenant's tools. I see it as part of ethical globalisation and I intend to continue to be supportive in that way."

Ms Robinson steps down from her UN post later this month, but says she will work as a roving human rights specialist and work to introduce a fairer form of globalisation.

However, the Department of Justice, has defended the Government's record in the area of human rights. It says the UN committee's report this summer also praised equality legislation introduced by the Government.

They also pointed out a new Disability Bill was being considered by an expert group.