Human Rights and Disability Protections: Key Legislation and Conventions

1998 Declaration of Human Rights

The 1998 Declaration of Human Rights includes the rights of all individuals. Key articles relevant to those needing care and support include:

Article 3: Protection from Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment

This article covers the protection of individuals from torture and inhuman or degrading treatment, which includes the need for personal care, moving, positioning, and safeguarding.

Article 5: Right to Life, Liberty, and Security

Article 5 protects personal rights to freedom from unreasonable detention, ensuring life, liberty, and security of the person.

Article 8: Respect for Private and Family Life

This article encompasses all aspects of an individual's daily life, including their sexuality, body, personal identity, and relationships, as well as family life, home, and correspondence.

Articles 9 and 10: Freedom of Thought, Conscience, Religion, Opinion, and Expression

These articles grant individuals the right to change beliefs or religion at any time and to express their thoughts and beliefs freely.

UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)

The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) is the first international legally binding instrument setting minimum standards for the rights of people with disabilities. The UK agreed to follow CRPD in 2009.

Key Commitments Under CRPD

By adhering to CRPD, the UK commits to:

• Eliminating disability discrimination
• Enabling disabled individuals to live independently in the community
• Ensuring an inclusive educational system
• Protecting disabled people from all forms of exploitation, violence, and abuse