Knowing your rights – General Principles Article: 3
This video outlines the general principles of the Convention. The Convention is written in sections, called ‘articles’.
The Convention has a long list of human rights that you should expect will be respected in countries which have ratified the Convention.
The Convention explains that all members of society have the same human rights – these rights include civil, cultural, economic, political and social rights.
All persons with disabilities have the right to be free from discrimination on the basis of disability, and also on any other basis, such as class, race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.
The general principles of this Convention are:
- Respect for inherent dignity, individual autonomy and independence;
- Non-discrimination;
- Full and effective participation and inclusion in society;
- Respect for difference and acceptance of people with disability as part of humanity and human diversity;
- Equality of opportunity;
- Accessibility;
- Equality between men and women; and
- Respect for the capacities of children with disability and their right to preserve their identities.
Children with disability should be consulted about their lives. If communication is difficult, a child advocate should be brought in to assist the child to have their say.
Knowing Your Rights – Human Rights and Freedoms
Rights are things that should happen for everyone. There are many basic human rights and freedoms covered by the Convention – the Convention exists to make life fairer for people with disability, and to ensure that they are able to enjoy the same conditions as other people in their community without fear of discrimination on the grounds of disability.
Knowing your rights: Equality and non-discrimination (Article: 5,6,7)
Countries that agree to the Convention, including Australia, agree that everyone is equal before the law. They are to make sure people with disability and Deaf people are not treated unfairly just because of their disability and are protected by the law in the same way other people are.
To make sure they are treated fairly, countries have to take appropriate steps to make sure people with disability get the help, or practical changes they need to put them in the same position as people without disability. The extra help or practical change must be reasonable - not too hard or expensive.
People without disability cannot claim that it is unfair for people with disability to receive special treatment. If a country has special laws or programs that help put people with disability in the same position as other people, then this is not discrimination.
This video was funded by the Australian Government. © 2014
This video accompanying this text was endorsed by Deaf Australia. Category 1: Auslan signs, Auslan grammar. Deaf Australia Inc website.