Addison Konicki
Research Mentor: Rebecca Irvine
Mentor Department: Not Available, ART
Author(s): Addison Konicki, Rebecca Irvine
Session: Session 2 (10:00 AM – 10:50 AM)
Presentation Type: Poster 125
Abstract
Adopted in 2006, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities aims to promote and protect the rights and fundamental freedoms of persons with disabilities. By outlining categories of rights and the necessary measures to allow persons with disabilities to fully enjoy these rights, the CRPD has been ratified by 193 parties thus far. Despite promises made, however, many states have failed to uphold their responsibilities under this convention and the rights of people with disabilities have been consequently unprotected. This project aims to address some of these struggles in implementation by examining Article 25 on Health of the CRPD, specifically in South America. By examining and analyzing state reporting on Article 25, data from relevant international organizations, and the national and local policies of each country, it was found that most South American states have struggled to implement Article 25 in their national policies, citing financial constraints regardless of the country’s socioeconomic status. This has contributed to limited access to preventative care and an overall diminished quality of life for people with disabilities, and calls to attention the importance of the implementation of Article 25 and the CRPD as a whole. This project is part of a growing body of research on the CRPD’s implementation and will contribute to further research on disability rights.
