The U.N. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD): Some Observations on U.S. Participation

Abstract

The U.N. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) is an international instrument springing, inter alia, from the recognition that “discrimination against any person on the basis of disability is a violation of the inherent dignity and worth of the human person.”1 The text of the Convention resulted from a number of years of drafting work and input from States and non-governmental organizations.2 The text was adopted by consensus in the General Assembly on December 13, 2006.3 The Convention entered into force in accordance with Article 45, paragraph 1, upon receipt by the depository of the twentieth ratification on May 3, 2008.4 The United States, though it did not participate as a member of the Ad Hoc Committee in drafting the Convention, sent an observer and furnished substantial input during the Committee’s proceedings.5 The United States joined the consensus in the General Assembly6 and on July 30, 2009 signed the Convention.7 On May 17, 2012, the President of the United States