One of the fundamental principles behind the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is the recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family. The right of everyone to work in just and favourable conditions without any discrimination also flows from this fundamental principle which is stated in Article 23 of the UDHR. This particular right is further developed by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) in Article 27 which establishes the legal framework for State obligations in relation to work and employment of persons with disabilities. Article 27 of the Convention obligates States parties to recognize the right of persons with disabilities to work, on an equal basis with others.

But despite these international efforts, persons with disabilities are yet to fully receive the benefits from policies aimed at their development and wellbeing. Note that, ‘an estimated 1 billion people - 15 per cent of the world’s population – live with a disability, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), and 80 percent of these are in developing countries.’ In short, the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities still remains a challenge for international community, including securing their employment rights.

I, as a human rights advocate and a member of the civil society, have a few suggestions to offer as measures that will support the Committee’s work on preparation of the General Comment on the right of persons with disabilities to work and employment.