In 2008, Australia ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), solidifying its dedication to protecting and promoting the rights of people with disabilities. The cornerstone of this commitment is the National Disability Strategy, which guides government action and outlines a comprehensive plan for advancing disability rights and inclusion.
Every four years, Australia undergoes a review process by the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (the Committee), an independent body of experts. This review assesses Australia’s progress in fulfilling its obligations under the CRPD, ensuring accountability and continuous improvement in the area of disability rights.
2019 CRPD Review
In September 2019, Australia underwent its second review by the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The Australian government submitted a report detailing its progress, responding to a list of issues raised by the Committee.
To ensure the diverse voices and experiences of people with disabilities were represented, a civil society working group, including WWDA as a member of Disabled People’s Organisations Australia (DPOA), prepared a comprehensive Shadow Report titled “Disability Rights Now.” This report provided an independent assessment of Australia’s implementation of the CRPD and advocated for the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities.
The full 2019 civil society CRPD Shadow Report Working Group included:
- Disabled People’s Organisations Australia (DPO Australia)
- Australian Federation of Disability Organisations (AFDO)
- Children and Young People with Disability Australia (CYDA)
- Australian Centre for Disability Law (ACDL)
- Disability Advocacy Network Australia (DANA)
- Council for Intellectual Disability NSW (CID)
- Queensland Advocacy Incorporated (QAI)
- Advocacy for Inclusion (AFI)
- Queensland Voice for Mental Health (QVMH).
