International

It’s good news that the Netherlands is set to ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, says SP Member of Parliament Henk van Gerven. The convention provides that people with a disability must enjoy equal rights, as well as the same opportunities as any other individual.

‘People with a disability are often still unable to participate fully in society,’ says Van Gerven. ‘It’s high time that the legal and social position of people with a disability were addressed. The ratification of this convention is an important step in that process.’

Van Gerven notes that the ratification must be followed up by government action. ‘Harsh spending cuts have led to a deterioration in the legal status of people with a disability,’ he says. ‘A recent study by the National Institute for Family Finance Information(NIBUD) shows that accessibility to and affordability of care is a growing problem. So I want to see all laws subject to examination in the light of the Convention and where necessary amended accordingly. That way it won’t stop at fine words, but we’ll be making serious efforts towards equal rights and equal opportunities.’