CACL Brief: Accession to the UN Optional Protocol to the CRPD

March 23, 2017

CACL has submitted its brief on the Accession to the United Nations Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to the Office for Disability Issues, Employment and Social Development Canada.

Canada has taken leadership for many years to recognize the rights of persons with disabilities.  Its contribution to negotiations for the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) has been acknowledged in Canada and internationally. Our civil society partners around the world look with admiration and hope to Canada’s leadership on disability rights.

CACL is proud of Canada’s leadership in this regard, of the many milestones along the path to fully recognizing human rights of persons with intellectual and other disabilities, and of our contribution to that record.

In summary, CACL believes there are three main reasons why Canada should accede to the Optional Protocol:

  1. Consistency with Canada’s ratification of the Optional Protocol (OP-CRPD) to other international treaties.
  2. Provides a balanced inquiry process and forum for disabled people to seek independent advice on alleged violations.
  3. Reinforces Canada’s commitments under the CRPD and its commitments to building an inclusive and accessible Canada.

Read the complete brief here.