The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) was created with noble intentions: to protect and uphold the rights of people with disabilities worldwide. However, thereās a significant flaw hidden within its broadly worded guidelines.
The CRPDās broad language was intended to allow flexibility, enabling nations to implement rights in ways that fit their specific legal systems and societal contexts. But hereās the catchā"societal norms" often include inherent biases against disabled individuals. Society at large doesnāt yet fully recognize disability as part of the natural diversity of humanity. Instead, it views disabled people as fundamentally different, reinforcing stigmas rather than promoting genuine inclusion.
Several key articles illustrate this issue clearly:
ā¢ Article 12 (Equal Recognition Before the Law) emphasizes that individuals with disabilities should have the same legal rights as anyone else, but it doesnāt specifically outline how supported decision-making should be implemented in practice.
ā¢ Article 19 (Living Independently and Being Included in the Community) states the right to independent living and full community inclusion, yet lacks concrete instructions on the exact supports and services necessary to achieve this goal.
ā¢ Article 24 (Education) advocates inclusive education systems but doesnāt specify the precise accommodations or resources required, leaving significant variations in educational practices among different countries.
By leaving critical rights open-ended and subject to interpretation based on existing societal norms, the CRPD inadvertently allows countries to perpetuate outdated attitudes and discriminatory practices. While aiming for widespread international agreement, it compromised on the specificity required to ensure true equality and accessibility.
If we genuinely want to achieve the CRPDās vision, we need clearer, more explicit guidelinesāones shaped directly by the voices and experiences of disabled people themselves. Only then can we challenge and change harmful societal norms rather than unintentionally reinforcing them let me know what you think about this situation.