New General Comment on non-discrimination published by CRPD

Date: 23rd May 2018
Category: UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)

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A new General Comment has been published by the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) on equality and non-discrimination.

The General Comment addresses several areas of concern including the rights of persons with disabilities to access reasonable accommodation and legal protection against discrimination and provisions and recommendations related to children with disabilities. It also includes recommendations for State parties on the implementation of equality and non-discrimination measures.

Regarding children and young people, the Committee in particular condemns institutionalisation and non-consensual treatment, such as the sterilisation of women and girls with disabilities. It also urges State to prohibit all forms of corporal punishment in all settings and to take appropriate measures to enforce this ban.

The General Comment emphasises that adhering to a child's best interests includes ensuring they are informed, consulted, and have a say in every decision making process related to their situation and are able to exercise their right to be heard, in all procedures that affect them, including in parliamentary processes.

General Comments are produced by UN treaty bodies in order to provide more context and guidance for State parties on particular aspects of UN treaties.