Human Rights and Disability: The Current Use and Future Potential of United Nations Human Rights Instruments in the Context of Disability

This study looks at the current use and future potential of the United Nations' human rights instruments in the field of disability. The world's perspective shifted over the past two decades. People with disabilities used to be perceived as creating problems, now they are considered holders of rights. The first part of the book examines the nature of the shift by placing disabilities within a human rights framework of reference, the second part is an evaluation of the current use of the United Nations' human rights instruments, in particular the human rights treaties in the context of disability, the third part outlines options for the future. The book includes the analysis of a detailed questionnaire sent to disability NGOs around the world as well as observations, comments, and recommendations to enhance the use of the United Nations' human rights system in the context of disability.