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Talks on proposed UN treaty to protect rights of disabled advance on key issues

Talks on proposed UN treaty to protect rights of disabled advance on key issues

The United Nations General Assembly committee working out a proposed Convention on protecting and promoting the rights of persons with disabilities is closing in on provisions concerning privacy, security, equality, non-discrimination and the right to life and liberty, UN officials said today.

The United Nations General Assembly committee working out a proposed Convention on protecting and promoting the rights of persons with disabilities is closing in on provisions concerning privacy, security, equality, non-discrimination and the right to life and liberty, UN officials said today.

The participants reached a general agreement that States parties must protect the privacy of persons with disabilities, including their personal, health and rehabilitation information, and must prevent arbitrary or unlawful interference with their family, home, correspondence and communications.

There was also general support for proposed text on equality and non-discrimination, which deals with movement with the greatest possible independence, freedom from torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, and freedom from exploitation, violence and abuse.

Under provisions of the draft treaty, States would be required to find ways of promoting awareness of the capabilities and contributions of persons with disabilities, and combating stereotypes and prejudices.

Some delegates said their countries might not be financially able to subsidize the high-quality mobility devices and assistive technologies that would ensure independent and free movement, UN officials said.

The negotiating session continues until 3 February.