Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)
The CRPD (2006) is the first international treaty that legally protects the rights of people with disabilities. It changes the focus from charity and medical care to rights, independence and being fully involved in society.
Key point
Signing and agreeing to the CRPD are two different things. A state that signs shows its intent; a state that ratifies accepts legal duties. Countries that have agreed must take real action to make the rights happen, not just accept them.