More than 100 countries have ratified an important disability rights treaty known as the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), but the United States has yet to take action. Please act today by contacting legislators and implore them to promote human rights for people with disabilities through passage of this treaty.
Ratification of the CRPD will allow U.S. participation at the CRPD Conference of States Parties and permit the U.S. to appoint a member of the CRPD Committee. Through these mechanisms, the U.S. can influence guidance on the implementation of the treaty and lend its expertise as more countries develop their own disability rights laws.
There is bipartisan support for the measure in the Senate. Sen. John McCain of Arizona, a co-sponsor of the Americans with Disabilities Act, has publicly stated the need for such a measure. “I support U.S. ratification of the disability treaty, as it seeks to advance these same fundamental values of equality and human dignity around the world,” he said recently.
If this is an issue that concerns you, we urge that you call leaders of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee TODAY to urge their action on this vote. Ask to speak to the aide in charge of the CRPD ratification.
- Senator John Kerry, Chairman of Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Washington, D.C. Office: 202-224-2742
- Senator Richard Lugar, Ranking Member of Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Washington, D.C. Office: 202-224-4814
More information on CRPD
- About the treaty
- Bipartisan group of Senators including John McCain (R-AZ) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) announce support for CRPD
- The National Council on Disability urges passage of the treaty
- The U.S. International Council on Disabilities approves ratification