Disability-Inclusive Trade: A Conceptual Framework Grounded in Human Rights

Abstract

The economic rights of persons with disabilities are often overlooked in policy debates on inclusive trade. Because persons with disabilities have limited labour market opportunities and are overrepresented in low-income groups, it is important to consider how they may be affected by international trade. This paper contributes a definition and conceptual framework on disability-inclusive trade grounded in human rights. The framework illuminates several channels through which international trade can affect persons with disabilities as workers, producers, consumers and users of public services. The framework is used to identify policy measures, particularly in the context of trade integration in the Global South, that may enable persons with disabilities to gain better access to quality jobs, assistive technology and inclusive infrastructure through trade.