Australia in Switzerland
Bern and Geneva
Switzerland, Liechtenstein

statement688

Human Rights Council - 28th Regular Session

Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities, Catalina Devandas-Aguilar

Australian Statement

11 March 2015

Australia congratulates Ms Catalina Devandas-Aguilar on her recent appointment as Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities.

The vision and work plan outlined by the Special Rapporteur is highly relevant to recent developments in disability policy in Australia. This includes her focus on the role of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities as the guiding standard, and the overarching considerations of inclusiveness and participation.

On 17 July 2008, Australia ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, joining other countries to promote the equal and active participation of all people with disability in society.

Subsequently, Commonwealth, state and territory governments endorsed the National Disability Strategy in February 2011. The Strategy provides a 10-year national policy framework to improve the lives of people with disability, including Indigenous Australians who experience higher rates of disability than other Australians.

The National Disability Strategy is an important mechanism for ensuring that the principles underpinning the Convention are incorporated into policies and programs affecting people with disability, their families and carers.

Australia remains firmly committed to working with partner countries to fulfil their obligations under the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, bringing about real change for the better in the daily experiences of persons with disabilities around the world.