Art.21 Freedom of Expression and Opinion, and Access to Information

Abstract

This chapter examines the effectiveness of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) in promoting and protecting the equal right of persons with disabilities to freedom of expression and opinion and access to information, focusing on 21. The discussion draws links between this provision and Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and stresses the importance of the CRPD in applying the right to freedom of expression and opinion and access to information to the specific circumstances of persons with disabilities. Links are drawn also between Article 21 and other provisions of the CRPD, particularly Article 9 on accessibility. The chapter concludes with a reflection on the opportunities and challenges associated with the implementation of Article 21 by states parties to the Convention.