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Baroness Greengross writes for ePolitix.com ahead of her oral question on the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
My question of Her Majesty's Government as to what steps they are taking to implement the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), comes from a concern that the current programme of spending cuts may impede the implementation of this UN convention.
The core of the UNCRPD focuses on ensuring disabled individuals are empowered to make their own decisions, are free to enjoy all fundamental freedoms and human rights, and can participate actively in society.
June 8, 2010 marked the first anniversary of the government ratifying the UNCPRD and passing it into UK law. To mark this occasion, I felt it would be a good opportunity to ask the new government what steps it is taking to implement the convention.
We all recognise the major resource challenge faced by government and the public sector, and I welcome the government’s commitment to ensure fairness is at the heart of those difficult financial decisions.
However, in light of the recent announcements around welfare reform, including incapacity benefit and Disability Living Allowance, and suggestions that there may be a delay in the implementation of the Equality Act, I am concerned that that the impact on disabled people may not be appropriately considered.
I will be seeking assurances from the minister that his department will fully evaluate the impact of proposed spending cuts upon the implementation of the UNCRPD and that a full Equality Impact Assessment will be carried out.
This oral question has now passed, to view the debate please click here.
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