FECCA and NEDA Welcome Convention on Disability Rights

The Federation of Ethnic Communities' Councils of Australia (FECCA) and the National Ethnic Disability Alliance (NEDA) have welcomed the commitment from the Rudd Government to support the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

FECCA Chair, Ms Voula Messimeri said that ratification of the Convention by Australia is a vital step in the drive towards social inclusion of all Australians.

"Approximately one in four Australians with a disability are from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, representing around one million people. Ratification of the Convention is particularly important for this group of Australians who often experience significant barriers to employment, education and services," Ms Messimeri said.

NEDA Executive Officer, Dr Dinesh Wadiwel, said that ratification of the Convention would help towards rights and empowerment for all people with disability, including those from culturally diverse backgrounds.

"This is a positive step forward in assisting more members of our communities to participate fully in Australia's social, political and economic life," Dr Wadiwel said.

FECCA and NEDA both say they look forward to positive policy reforms in the future after the convention is ratified.

"Once ratified, the Convention provides a golden opportunity to take a look at policy reform in areas such as migration, which currently disadvantage migrants and humanitarian entrants with disability," Dr Wadiwel said.

FECCA and NEDA, in their recent submissions on the ratification of the Convention recommended that Australia also ratify the Optional Protocol that would provide additional protection for people with disability beyond the limitations of domestic law.

"Ratifying the Optional Protocol will create additional protections, and send a signal that Australia takes seriously the rights of people with disability," Dr Wadiwel said.

"It is vital that international human rights conventions underpin Australia's human rights legislation so that everyone, no matter what their background, is given a fair go," Ms Messimeri concluded.

NEDA's submission is available at: http://www.neda.org.au/files/neda_submission_nis_2.doc

FECCA's submission is available at: http://www.fecca.org.au/Submissions/2008/submissions_2008009.pdf