Disabled people in New Zealand will finally have access to the optional protocol (complaint procedures) of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). Nicky Wagner, the Minister for Disabilities Issues, has announced today that the optional protocol will come into force in New Zealand from 20 October 2016.

Access to the UNCRPD’s optional protocol has resulted from a long and sustained campaign by disabled people and from within disability community. ADL’s position has been that all people should have the right to access all available complaint processes. Disabled persons being unable to access the complaints processes of the UNCRPD denies this human right. Today’s announcement rightly provides disabled people with further access to justice.

The ADL Team

Minister Wagner’s media release on New Zealand acceding to the UNCRPD Optional Protocol is on the NZ Government’s website.

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