The Equality and Human Rights Commission are calling on the British Government to ratify the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities without delay following the announcement by the UN that the Convention will come into force on 3rd May 2008 after the 20th country ratified it on Thursday 10 April.
Commission Disability Commissioner Baroness Jane Campbell said: 'Twenty countries around the world have now ratified the Convention so bringing it into force, but Britain has yet to do so. Britain deserves to be seen as a beacon around the world for disability rights. In delaying ratification further, Britain will lose this status. The Commission calls on the Government to ratify the Convention, without reservation, by the end of 2008. What greater statement could Britain make to mark the 60th Anniversary of the UN Declaration on Human Rights?'
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For more information contact the Equality and Human Rights Commission Media Office on 02031170255, out of hours 07767272818.
Notes to editors
The Equality and Human Rights Commission is a statutory body established under the Equality Act 2006, which took over the responsibilities of Commission for Racial Equality, Disability Rights Commission and Equal Opportunities Commission.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission is the independent advocate for equality and human rights in Britain. It aims to reduce inequality, eliminate discrimination, strengthen good relations between people, and promote and protect human rights.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission will enforce equality legislation on age, disability, gender, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation or transgender status, and encourage compliance with the Human Rights Act. It will also give advice and guidance to businesses, the voluntary and public sectors, and to individuals.