Post by Banjo on Aug 29, 2012 14:14:05 GMT 7
Australia’s Failed Disability Report Card
A coalition of major disability organisations claims Australia is failing to meet the basic rights of people with a disability in a new report to be delivered to the United Nations.
According to their report Disability Rights Now, Australia is behind in nearly all areas of life including education, employment, access to health and support services, and participation in society.
The report makes 130 recommendations to the United Nations Disability Committee who are reviewing Australia's compliance with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities for the first time.
“While much progress has been made over the last 30 years, Australians with disability remain significantly disadvantaged on nearly every socio-economic indicator,” a coalition spokesman from the Australian Federation of Disability Organisations, Lesley Hall said.
“This report card on the difficulties faced daily by people with disability shows how far we still need to come to achieve genuine equality for all Australians.”
“This Report gives a voice to people with disability around Australia about their lived experiences and what practical steps Australian governments should take to improve their lives, safety and well-being.”
Rosemary Kayess from the Australian Human Rights Centre said that the majority of people with disability are experiencing isolation and loneliness.
“Australia is one of the most prosperous countries in the world, however, the one in five Australians who experience disability continue to be left behind and we are made to feel like second-class citizens,” she said.
The United Nations Disability Committee will undertake its review of Australia in Geneva in 2013.
The Disability Rights Now report will be launched by the Disability Discrimination Commissioner, Graeme Innes.
www.probonoaustralia.com.au/news/2012/08/australia%E2%80%99s-failed-disability-report-card
A coalition of major disability organisations claims Australia is failing to meet the basic rights of people with a disability in a new report to be delivered to the United Nations.
According to their report Disability Rights Now, Australia is behind in nearly all areas of life including education, employment, access to health and support services, and participation in society.
The report makes 130 recommendations to the United Nations Disability Committee who are reviewing Australia's compliance with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities for the first time.
“While much progress has been made over the last 30 years, Australians with disability remain significantly disadvantaged on nearly every socio-economic indicator,” a coalition spokesman from the Australian Federation of Disability Organisations, Lesley Hall said.
“This report card on the difficulties faced daily by people with disability shows how far we still need to come to achieve genuine equality for all Australians.”
“This Report gives a voice to people with disability around Australia about their lived experiences and what practical steps Australian governments should take to improve their lives, safety and well-being.”
Rosemary Kayess from the Australian Human Rights Centre said that the majority of people with disability are experiencing isolation and loneliness.
“Australia is one of the most prosperous countries in the world, however, the one in five Australians who experience disability continue to be left behind and we are made to feel like second-class citizens,” she said.
The United Nations Disability Committee will undertake its review of Australia in Geneva in 2013.
The Disability Rights Now report will be launched by the Disability Discrimination Commissioner, Graeme Innes.
www.probonoaustralia.com.au/news/2012/08/australia%E2%80%99s-failed-disability-report-card