The legal analysis of the draft convention text Comprehensive and Integral International Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights and Dignity of Persons with Disabilities is an exellent document explaining and commenting on the convention text. This document addresses both legal experts and people who need legal background information about the convention
This Human Development Report focuses how development work can help build inclusive, culturally diverse societies -- both as a means to achieving other, more traditional development priorities, and as an end in itself. It examines and rejects the claim that cultural differences lead to social, economic and political conflict, and that cultural rights supercede political or economic rights (eg the right to education). The report acknowledges the importance of legislative recognition of diverse cultural backgrounds, but stipulates that, to achieve real change, political culture has to change as well: people need to think , feel and act in a way that respects and values the needs of others. Finally, it considers the threats and opportunities presented by globalisation, in terms of the intellectual property of indigenous people; cultural goods markets; and emerging and established multicultural societies
Provides a framework for pro-poor ICT based initiatives, in the context of globalisation and the rights to information and freedom of expression. Discusses 'old' versus new and emerging ICTs, concluding that the lure of technological and infrastructural solutions has tended to divert attention away from ICTs that poor people actually use - but that the convergence of old and new ICT presents opportunities. Suggests that donors should support the private sector and governments in developing pro-poor strategies. Advocates careful strategic planning and judicious use of appropriate media in every communications initiative
This Declaration supports cultural diversity, cultural rights and the role of culture in development - as a key component of human rights. It states that "All persons have [...] the right to express themselves and to create and disseminate their work in the language of their choice, and particularly in their mother tongue; all persons are entitled to quality education and training that fully respect their cultural identity; and all persons have the right to participate in the cultural life of their choice and conduct their own cultural practices, subject to respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms"
DFID guide to development communications in three sections: background (channels of communication, rights, participation, implications to poor people and civil society); guide to implementing development communications (including forming a strategy, planning, using mass media, building capacity); guide to different media (drama/performance, mass media, ICT)
The standard rules on the equalisation of opportunities for persons with disabilities have been developed on the basis of the experience gained during the United Nations Decade of Disabled Persons (1983- 1992). Although the rules are not compulsory, they can become international customary rules when they are applied by a great number of states with the intention of respecting a rule in international law. They imply a strong moral and political commitment on behalf of States to take action for the equalisation of opportunities for persons with disabilities. The rules indicate important principles for responsibility, action and cooperation as well as areas of decisive importance for quality of life and for the achieving of full participation and equality. The rules offer disabled persons and their organisations an instrument for making policy and for action. They also provide a basis for technical and economic cooperation among states, the United Nations and other international organisations
IDDC aims to promote the rights of disabled people more effectively and efficiently through collaboration and sharing information. The website contains details of and links to disability publications on a number of disability and development-related topics. Click on "disability and development topics" for links to documents on donor policy and practice, mainstreaming disability and development, and key development issues including HIV/AIDS
The UN webcast archives features broadcasting of General Assembly meetings on a range of key issues in international development and peace keeping topics. This would be useful for anyone with an interest in organisational policy or international organisations. It features, for example, meetings on the UN convention for the rights of persons with disabilities
The World network of users and survivors of psychiatry is a global forum and voice of users and survivors of psychiatry to promote their rights and interests. This website contains specific information about the network, human rights and advocacy issues, and the WNUSP newsletter
This practical online toolkit is designed for policy makers and regulators focusing specifically on the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) provisions regarding accessibility to information and communication technologies (ICTs) for persons with disabilities. It provides comprehensive information about ICT accessibility, and highlights that it is a cross-cutting issue that concerns a broad range of government agencies and ministries, including those for broadcasting, communication, education, employment and human rights areas. It gives detailed information about technology areas, policy guides and assessment framework