Regards
"Perhaps our role on this planet is not to worship God-- but to create Him." --Arthur C. Clarke (Rajesh Asudani) Assistant General Manager, Reserve Bank of India Nagpur 09420397185 O: 0712 2806676 Res: 0712 2591349 -----Original Message----- From: Dspd Enable [mailto:ena...@un.org] Sent: Thursday, April 01, 2010 2:47 AM To: enab...@un.org Subject: United Nations Enable Newsletter, March 2010 United Nations ENABLE NEWSLETTER March 2010 The Enable Newsletter is prepared by the United Nations Secretariat for the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (SCRPD) hosted by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA). Input has been received from by UN offices, agencies, funds and programmes, as well as from civil society. It is also available on-line at: http://www.un.org/disabilities. In this issue: § Update on the Convention § Highlights § Upcoming events § Other news -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- UPDATE ON THE CONVENTION ON THE RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (CRPD) 84 ratifications of the Convention 144 signatories to the Convention Optional Protocol to the Convention 52 ratifications of the Optional Protocol 88 signatories to the Optional Protocol -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Recent news: United Arab Emirates ratified the Convention on 19 March Bosnia and Herzegovina ratified the Convention and Optional Protocol on 12 March Canada ratified the Convention on 11 March Latvia ratified the Convention on 1 March Third Conference of States Parties The third Conference of States Parties to the Convention (CoSP) will be held from 1-3 September 2010 at UNHQ in New York. This session under the theme “Implementing the Convention through Advancing Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities” will focus on the election of members of the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and include substantive roundtable discussions and an interactive informal session with civil society. Elections for members of the Committee will be held in accordance with article 34 of the Convention. As the total number of ratifications has passed 80, the membership of the Committee will increase by six to a total of 18 members. Additional elections will be held for the six members whose term expires in 2010. More information will be available shortly at http://www.un.org/disabilities. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- HIGHLIGHTS SCRPD/DESA Women with Disabilities at CSW48 On 4 March, during the 48th session of the Commission for Social Development (CSW48), SCRPD along with the Global Partnership for Disability and Development (GPDD), organized an interactive panel discussion on “Cross-sectionalities of gender, disability, and development: Towards equality for women and girls with disabilities”. Rangita de Silva de Alwis, Director, International Human Rights Policy discussed four country projects in the Asian region and highlighted ways in which the women’s rights and disability rights movements mutually reinforced and strengthened each other. Ms. Luz Angela Melo, Human Rights Technical Adviser, United Nations Population Fund discussed the sexual reproductive health of women with disability. Ms. Ana Pelaez, Vice-chair of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities showed how girls and women with disabilities face multiple discrimination. She also provided strategies and recommendations to address the injustice. A new web resource on Women with Disabilities is now available at: http://www.un.org/disabilities/default.asp?navid=13&pid=1514 MERCOSUR – Meeting on the Inclusion of the disability perspective in the MDGs and Inclusive Development The Conference of High-level Authorities of MERCOSUR and Ministries of Foreign Affairs is organized every six months by the Presidency of MERCOSUR; this conference took place under the Presidency of Argentina. SCRPD/DESA, the World Bank, Leonard Cheshire Center on Disability (UK) and the Global Partnership for Disability and Development co-sponsored the MERCOSUR meeting on “Inclusion of the disability perspective in the MDGs and Inclusive Development” at the Conference (22 March). Other meetings were organized by the Government of Argentina on disability, development and the CRPD for national and provincial level officials of the Central Committee coordinating all the provinces of Argentina (23-25 March). The Conference covered various issues, including disability, children, and the development of indicators for economic, social and cultural rights. Representatives of MERCOSUR countries as well as the Associate States engaged in the dialogue on mainstreaming disability in MDG processes, mechanisms and institutions. SCRPD/DESA conducted a training programme for over 100 participants under the theme “building new communities for using the CRPD in development” with a view to contribute to implementation of the MDGs, as well as the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. As an outcome of the meeting, MERCOSUR members and associated states will present a report at on indicators that would progressively advance disability for inclusion in the MDGs, as well as organize a seminar on disability data and statistics at MERCOSUR’s next meeting in Brazil in this September. More information: http://www.conadis.gov.ar/doc_publicar/seminario_mercosur.htm. Disability-inclusive reconstruction at Haiti Donor Conference SCRPD/DESA co-sponsored a panel discussion “Haiti: Reconstruction for All” at the Haiti Donor Conference at UN Headquarters on 31 March along with the Permanent Mission of Canada to the United Nations, the World Bank and Disabled Peoples’ International. The panel, organized by the Global Partnership for Disability and Development (GPDD), included a discussion on the inclusion of universal design in the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Haiti for socioeconomic development. The event also provided an opportunity to announce the launching of a toolkit that contains existing information and resources helpful to design, implement, and monitor inclusive rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts. More information: http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2010/note6252.doc.htm. Disability and Statistics new resource webpage The new web resource “Disability-inclusive design, planning, monitoring and evaluation” provides information on developments in disability and statistics. The webpage also highlights the importance of improving comparable disability data and statistics for purposes of policy design, planning and evaluation from the disability perspective. Links are provided to work on disability statistics and other related resources. More information: http://www.un.org/disabilities/default.asp?navid=13&pid=1515 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OHCHR – HRC discusses national mechanisms for the CRPD On 5 March 2010, the Human Rights Council (HRC) held its second interactive panel dialogue on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The panel discussed national mechanisms to implement, promote and monitor the CRPD at an interactive dialogue where over 40 State representatives, National Human Rights Institutions and civil society organizations actively participated. During the session the Special Rapporteur on Disability of the Commission for Social Development also participate in an the interactive dialogue and presented a statement. For the first time, the Council provided interpretation into international sign language and real-time captioning. Hearing loops were made available. More information: http://www2.ohchr.org/english/issues/disability/2nd_debate.htm. ILO – Trade unions promote the rights of persons with disabilities The push for greater recognition in the workplace of the rights of people with disabilities has received a boost from Thai trade unions. Facilitated by the International Labour Organizations (ILO), representatives of worker organizations met to discuss the role of trade unions in promoting the rights, employability and employment of women and men with disabilities at a workshop in Bangkok, 4-5 March. Following the meeting, it was agreed that a further consultation of people with disabilities would be conducted by worker organizations before approaching the authorities to advocate on their behalf. The workshop is part of the ILO’s initiative aimed at promoting the employability and employment of women and men with disabilities (PEPDEL) supported by Irish Aid. More information: http://www.ilo.org/asia/info/public/pr/lang--en/WCMS_123907/index.htm ILO Conference on people with intellectual disabilities The International Labour Organization (ILO) held a conference in Lusaka on 9-11 March to explore opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities to work in the general community. The three-day conference, funded by the Government of Ireland, aimed to examine current experiences and practices – both at the African and international levels – providing vocational training to persons with intellectual disabilities and preparing them for work; explore policy frameworks most conducive to promote training and employment opportunities for this group; identify steps and measures that governments, social partners and the civil society can adopt to promote the economic and social inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities; and, foster cooperation among agencies participating in the conference to establish lasting collaborative networks. More information: http://www.ilo.org/global/About_the_ILO/Media_and_public_information/I-News/lang--en/WCMS_123788/index.htm UNESCO – Forthcoming white paper on ICT UNESCO, in cooperation with the Global Initiative for Inclusive Information and Communication Technologies (G3ict), hosted a consultative meeting on 22-23 February 2010 at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. The primary aim of the meeting was to discuss how UNESCO could facilitate the social inclusion of persons with disabilities through the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). The meeting also worked to identify the type of policies and programmes required for the dispositions of the CRPD within UNESCO's mandate, particular how to best engage Member States in implementing inclusive policies and programmes promoting greater access to information and knowledge for persons with disabilities. In June 2010, the meeting output will be issued in the form of a meeting report/white paper that will present main issues discussed and practical measures to move forward the ICT and disability agenda. More information: http://www.unesco.org/webworld/en/icts-disabilities WIPO – Access to copyright-protected works by VIPs Improved access to copyright-protected content for the blind and other persons with visual or print disabilities (VIPs) was the focus of an international training course co-organized by the United States Copyright Office and WIPO in Washington from 8-12 March. The International Training Program for Developing Countries and Countries in Transition on Emerging Issues in Copyright and Related Rights and Issues Pertaining to Blind and Visually Impaired Persons, brought together policy-makers and experts from 28 countries. The programme aimed to improve understanding of the elements of domestic and international copyright law that are relevant to making books, films and other copyright-protected content accessible to persons with print disabilities. It also focused on identifying practical measures that can improve the quality and quantity of these works in formats that are readily accessible to VIPs. Participants explored measures to provide relief and to enhance opportunities for access and also considered the obstacles and limitations that inhibit easy access to relevant technologies across national boundaries. More information: http://www.wipo.int/pressroom/en/articles/2010/article_0005.html or http://www.visionip.org/portal/en/index.html ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- UPCOMING EVENTS 2 April: United Nations World Autism Awareness Day In 2007, the UN General Assembly designated 2 April as World Autism Awareness Day to galvanize global efforts to promote greater understanding about autism. This is the third commemoration of the Day that works to further promote an inclusive society and improve the lives of persons and children with Autism, their families, and communities around the world. Video message from the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon: http://www.un.org/en/events/autismday/sg_video_messages.shtml. 26-30 April: WWW2010 19th International World Wide Web Conference The World Wide Web Conference is a yearly international conference on the topic of the future direction of the World Wide Web. The Conference aims to provide the world a premier forum for discussion and debate about the evolution of the Web, the standardization of its associated technologies, and the impact of those technologies on society and culture. More information: http://www2010.org 12 - 13 April: 26th Annual Pacific Rim International Conference The Conference will explore new directions through scholarship, best practice, and international networking, as well as include an International Forum on the Rights of People with Disabilities, an international film festival and more. More information: http://www.pacrim.hawaii.edu. 21-22 April: Conference on Human Rights and Persons with Intellectual Disabilities Educators, health professionals, justice officials, policy analysts, researchers, advocates, and self-advocates will participate in this Conference that aims to expand the awareness of rights education, and its implementation for persons with intellectual disabilities. The Conference will be held in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. More information: http://www.3rshumanrights.com. 13 - 16 May: CODHy World Congress The 3rd World Congress on Controversies to Consensus in Diabetes, Obesity and Hypertension (CODHy) will take place in Prague, Czech Republic. The Congress is a comprehensive meeting fully devoted to clinical debates and controversial issues in a wide spectrum of diabetes, obesity and hypertension. More information: http://www.comtecmed.com/codhy/2010/ 23 - 27 May: 17th ESPRM Congress The 17th European Society of Physical and Rehabilitation and Medicine (ESPRM) Congress “European Rehabilitation: Quality, Evidence, Efficacy and Effectiveness” will be held in Venice, Italy. The meeting will cover functioning biology, functioning technology, clinical sciences, human functioning sciences, evidence-based rehabilitation and management. More information: http://www.cesprm2010.eu/index.html. 1 - 4 June: TRANSED 2010 The 12th International Conference on Mobility and Transport for Elderly and Disabled Persons, “Transed2010”, will take place in Hong Kong, China. The main theme of the Conference is “Sustainable Transport and Travel for All”. More information: http://www.transed2010.hk. 18 - 23 July: XVIII International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2010) AIDS 2010 will be held in Vienna, Austria and will mark an important milestone: the deadline by which world leaders have committed to ensuring universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support. The conference will be an opportunity to evaluate progress to date and to identify what must be done, both individually and collectively, to achieve this critical goal. More information: http://www.aids2010.org. 1 - 3 September: Third Conference of States Parties to the CRPD (To be held at UN Headquarters in New York, please see Recent News, page 1) 15-17 September: Implementing disability-inclusive development in the Pacific and Asia: Reviewing progress, planning the future An international conference and action planning roundtable will be held in Darwin, Australia and is organized by the ADDC - Australian Disability and Development Consortium. The Conference will discuss and review practical actions being taken in the Pacific and Asia to ensure that local, national and international development includes people with disability. The two-day conference and one-day action-based roundtable seek practical ways for people with disabilities in the Asia Pacific region and Australian Aboriginal communities to best fulfill their human rights. More information: http://www.addc.org.au/2010/02/addc-conference-first-notice/ 20 - 22 September: Millennium Development Goals Summit Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called on world leaders to attend the MDG High-level Summit that will be held this coming September in New York. The Summit aims to boost efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015. More information: http://www.un-ngls.org/spip.php?page=article_s&id_article=1963. 3 - 14 October: Commonwealth Games – Para Sports The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) has officially released the Para-Sports Medal Events Programme for the Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games following consultation with the International Paralympic Committee. The Games will take place in New Delhi, India, and will showcase world-class sporting opportunities for elite athletes with a disability. More information: http://www.paralympic.org/Media_Centre/News/General_News/2008_11_26_a.html. 26 - 29 October: 4th CBR Africa Conference The theme of this Community-based Rehabilitation (CBR) Conference is ‘Linking CBR with Disability and Rehabilitation’ and will be held in Abuja, Nigeria. The conference aims to promote better CBR practices in Africa and provide an opportunity for people to share information, knowledge and experience on how disability concepts, CBR and rehabilitation programmes can link together to help improve the quality of life for people with disabilities and their families. More information: Joan Okune (j...@afri-can.org) or Sally Hartley (sa...@afri-can.org). 28-30 October 4th National Spinal Cord Injury Conference The Conference is organized by the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute and will take place in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. It will include showcasing new research, clinical breakthroughs and innovative approaches and methodologies to addressing spinal cord injuries. More information: http://www.sciconference.ca. 30 October - 3 November: International Conference for Universal Design The International Association for Universal Design will organize the conference in Hamamatsu City, Japan. The theme of the third conference will be “For the People and the Earth of Tomorrow - Towards a Sustainable Co-existence”. The conference organizers are inviting educators, product planning and developers, administrators, consultants and civic activists and students to submit research papers, as well as reports and editorial articles. More information: http://www.ud2010.net/index.en.html. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OTHER NEWS (The information below from the non-governmental disability community is provided for informational purposes only; they do not constitute endorsement of or an approval by the United Nations of any of the products, services, or opinions of the corporation, organization, or individual. The United Nations bears no responsibility for the accuracy, legality or content of their statements and opinions.) Newsletter of the International Disability Alliance March 2010 Find out more about the participation of civil society in the work on the implementation of the CRPD, as well as the work of the Human Rights Council and the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Download the issue at: http://www.internationaldisabilityalliance.org/march-issue-of-ida-disability-rights-bulletin-is-out/ International Diploma in Mental Health Law and Human Rights The International Diploma on Mental Health Law and Human Rights is currently accepting applications for the academic year 2010-11. The Diploma, now in its third year of existence, is a collaborative effort between the World Health Organization (WHO) and the ILS Law College in Pune, India. The course builds the capacity of students to advocate for human rights and to influence national legislative and policy and service reform in line with the CRPD other key international human rights standards. The course is taught by a faculty of renowned international experts in the area and includes two residential sessions, as well as distance learning (Deadline for application: 30 June 2010). More information: http://www.mentalhealthlaw.in. International Masters in Mental Health Policy and Services Applications are being accepted for 2010/2011 for the International Masters Degree in Mental Health Policy and Services (MHPS), promoted by the New University of Lisbon, in collaboration with WHO. The scope of the Masters is to build capacity of mental health professionals to lead and contribute to conceiving, formulating, implementing and evaluating national mental health policy, national mental health legislation and mental health services and care delivery. The course will start on the 20th September 2010, with a two-week residential session, at the Faculdade de Ciências Médicas campus in Lisbon. A second two-week residential session will take place in Lisbon, from 4 to 16 April 2011. Between the two residential sessions, the students will participate in e-learning teaching activities under the orientation of supervisors. The second year of the Course will be dedicated to the development of a project and the elaboration of the dissertation, under the orientation of a supervisor. More information: http://www.fcm.unl.pt/immhps/ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CONTACT INFORMATION The Enable Newsletter is prepared by the Secretariat for the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Division for Social Policy and Development, Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) at the United Nations Secretariat in New York. Mailing address: UN Secretariat for the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, 2 UN Plaza, DC2-1306, New York, NY 10017, USA. Website: http://www.un.org/disabilities Email: ena...@un.org If you do not wish to receive the United Nations Enable Newsletter, please reply with the word "UNSUBSCRIBE" in the subject line. 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