MEDIA RELEASE FROM CCS DISABILITY ACTION
Friday 26 September 2008

Ratification heralds a new day for disabled people

The rights and interests of disabled people in New Zealand have been significantly strengthened with the Government’s ratification of the United Nations Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

CCS Disability Action CEO Viv Maidaborn says that the ratification is a triumph for all disabled people.

“The Convention was introduced by the United Nations to give disabled people across the world the opportunity to enjoy human rights on an equal basis with others. The ratification means New Zealand is now fully committed to ensuring that disabled people are valued members of society,” says Viv Maidaborn.

The announcement of the ratification follows a successful year of international disability action by New Zealand. Earlier in the year New Zealand was awarded the Roosevelt International Disability Award for the sustained improvements it had made in the lives of disabled people.

“New Zealand is clearly a world leader when it comes to strategic thinking around disability issues. We just need to put the systems in place to ensure that disabled people have access to the actual care, support and services that they need,” finishes Viv Maidaborn.

ENDS

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