The Convention is an international treaty which explains that all disabled people in the UK – and around the world – have and should be able to enjoy the same human rights as other people. It sets an international benchmark for the human rights of disabled people. The British government has ratified the Convention (although with too many qualifications for our liking) – but how many people know about this important treaty and what will it mean for our lives?

The Convention is a watershed document – but it needs to be fully incorporated into UK law by the government and strongly enforced. Much more awareness about the breadth of the Convention and guidance on what it means are needed.

The Convention is a very detailed document which covers all areas of life, including employment, health, culture, liberty and accessibility. More information about it can be found on the ODI website www.odi.gov.uk and on the UN Enable website www.un.org/disabilities

Disabled people and their organisations have a key role to play in work on the Convention. One of the Convention’s important principles is that disabled people and their organisations should be involved in putting it into practice.

Inclusion London will be working to raise awareness about the Convention in the coming year.