Robyn Hunt

The Human Rights Commission is delighted to welcome the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

 Ratification of this Convention is a truly historic occasion for disabled people everywhere. The more countries that ratify, the more hope for the most disempowered people in the world.

New Zealand has played a significant role in the development of this convention - and I would mention Don McKay in particular here. At the outset there was some reluctance to participate in the process to develop yet another UN Convention, but once New Zealand became involved there was no half measure. Chief Commissioner Rosslyn Noonan, DPA and others worked hard to encourage the positive New Zealand contribution which has been made by so many people, government and NGOs 

It was a privilege to be able to travel to New York to participate in negotiations at the UN and to be able to be part of the NZ delegation as well as to work with other National Human Rights Institutions, the Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions and the representative of the International coordinating Committee of National Human Rights Institutions, as well as with NGO and disabled peoples' organisations. The APF region was the most active in promoting the Convention.

It was significant that National Human Rights Institutions had their own name plate for the first time at such negotiations, enabling those delegates to contribute a strong human rights perspective to the debate. As negotiations continued States felt more comfortable consulting our representative.

The Commission worked to influence other states in our region. Chief Commissioner Noonan took a paper to the APF meeting which persuaded other NHRIs in the regions to encourage their governments to support the Convention. The commission also participated in a number of international meetings as well as an APF working group which produced several influential papers.

As well as contributing nationally and internationally to debates during negotiation the Commission has contributed to spreading knowledge about the Convention and its implications both nationally and internationally.

Following the signing of the Convention by the New Zealand Government we were keen to see progress and organised round tables to bring disabled people and Government ministries together, helping NGOs establish a coalition around the Convention

It was an interesting experience being in parliament to watch the Bill go through, and the cross party support for ratification has been very positive.

It was ironic that I received the amendment document in a hi lighted pdf which I still haven't been able to read. Just a reminder that things are not quite perfect yet!

 Of course there is still work to be done. In the last financial year just over a quarter of all human rights complaints the Commission received were on the ground of disability.

 But I am not here to carp and complain! This is a celebration

 Ratification is not the end of the process. The work is really just beginning. There will be more to be said on the conept of reasonable accommodation and work will need to begin on monitoring. Already people are using the Convention in their work, and I have found some government people who are keen to do so which is very encouraging.

It is a great occasion, and one many people have been working so hard towards with a really tight deadline. Congratulations! Let's celebrate!