On July 21, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee passed the United Nations’ Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities treaty, sending it to the Senate floor. In order for the United States to join the other 147 countries that have ratified the treaty, the treaty will need to be approved by two-thirds of the voting senators and then signed by the president. The treaty requires the following provisions from all countries that have ratified it:
- Non-discrimination against individuals with disabilities
- Allowing individuals with disabilities full and effective participation and inclusion in society
- Respect for differences and acceptance of persons with disabilities as part of human diversity and humanity
- Equality of opportunity for individuals with disabilities
The treaty is a significant step forward promoting and ensure disability rights. Earlier this year, NCRA, through the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Alliance, took submitted letters to all senators, asking for their support in ratifying the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Last congress, the CRPD failed to secure the two-thirds of all senators, with all 54 Democrats and seven Republicans voting in favor. Thirty-eight Republicans voted against the treaty.
NCRA needs your help to pass the CRPD treaty. To submit a letter in support of the treaty, visit disabilitytreaty.org and use their online resources. To view the letter that was submitted by the DHHA previously, click here. If you have any questions, contact NCRA’s government relations department.
