Upholding the rights of all persons with disabilities

aditus foundation welcomes the recent announcement by the Maltese authorities that Malta will be ratifying the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Ratification of the Convention indicates Malta’s commitment towards shifting away from the needs-based approach, to a rights-based appreciation of the diversity of persons with disabilities. The framework of obligations established in the Convention, together with the guidelines regularly provided by the Committee on the Rights of

Persons with Disabilities, provide Malta with useful and much-needed guidance on the most effective way to respect, protect and fulfil the fundamental human rights of the persons covered by this Convention.

aditus urges the relevant Maltese authorities to translate the ratification into the formulation and adoption of appropriate legal instruments, policies and practices. “As clearly stated in Article 4(3), the process of bringing the Convention to the national level should be an inclusive one, based on true and effective dialogue with all relevant members of civil society, particularly person with disabilities,” (Dr. Neil

Falzon, Director).

Furthermore, aditus appeals to all relevant members of civil society to actively participate in the Convention’s implementation. “This can be done by regularly monitoring the national situation, engaging in dialogue with other stakeholders and preparing non-governmental reports for the Committee on the Rights of Persons with

Disabilities to enable it to more comprehensively understand Malta’s scenario.”

Finally, aditus recalls the core obligation of ensuring the Convention’s application without discrimination since it applies to all persons with disabilities. In this respect, aditus wishes to underline the importance of ensuring appropriate mainstreaming throughout the national implementation processes of the specific issues possibly faced by women, children, migrants and other minority groups.

Aditus

aditus is an independent, voluntary & non-profit organisation established with a view to monitor, act & report on access to fundamental human rights by individuals & groups.

aditus believes in the universality, interdependence & indivisibility of all human rights & strives to promote their rights-based understanding & application. Whereas aditus’ focus is Malta, it works towards highlighting the regional & international dimensions of human rights in Malta.