The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) is built on eight guiding principles that stress individual autonomy and independence. It does not create new rights but clarifies what these are:
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Individual autonomy: Respect for the freedom of people with disabilities to make their own choices.
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Respect for inherent dignity: People with disabilities should have their inherent dignity respected.
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Non-discrimination: People with disabilities should be treated equally and fairly, and not discriminated against.
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Full and effective participation and inclusion in society: People with disabilities should be able to fully and effectively participate in society.
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Respect for difference: People with disabilities should be accepted as part of human diversity and humanity.
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Equality of opportunity: People with disabilities should have equal opportunities with other people in society, with a focus on removing institutional and environmental barriers.
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Accessibility: People with disabilities should have access to places, information, technologies, communication, and economic and social life.
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Equality between men and women: Men and women with disabilities should have equal rights and all people should be treated equally under the law, regardless of gender or disability.
Children with disabilities should have their evolving capacities respected and children should be supported to develop their abilities and make choices about their lives. People with disabilities should also have effective access to justice on an equal basis with others.
Under the UNCRPD, ‘access to justice’ includes supporting legal capacity by ensuring that people with disabilities have the support they need to exercise their legal capacity.
