UN CONVENTION ON THE RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

That this House notes the Government has promised to ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities by the end of 2008; notes with concern that this commitment will not be fulfilled and has been postponed to spring 2009; recognises that ratifying the Convention will ensure that disabled people are legally accorded the respect and rights they deserve; is concerned at the reservations made by the Ministry of Defence, the Home Office, the Department for Children, Schools and Families and the Department for Work and Pensions; welcomes the assurances of the Minister for Disabled People that ratification remains a priority; and calls on the Government to guarantee that disabled people will receive equality, respect and full inclusion in society by ratifying the Convention in full as soon as possible.