Ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities proceeds in Parliament

Press Release 273/2014
4 December 2014

The Government has today submitted to Parliament a Government proposal on the ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Optional Protocol to the Convention, as well as proposals for Acts on bringing into force provisions pertaining to legislation in the sector encompassed by the Convention and the Optional Protocol and for revising the Parliamentary Ombudsman Act.

The aim of this Convention is to ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities, and to promote and protect their rights and freedoms and to promote respect for the human dignity of persons with disabilities. The prohibition of discrimination as well as accessibility and the elimination of obstacles and barriers are the guiding principles of the Convention.

Preparatory work for the ratification of the Convention and the Optional Protocol was done by a Working Group led by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, which submitted its report to the Minister for Foreign Affairs on 17 January 2014. The Working Group included broad representation of the central government, the Association of Finnish Local and Regional Authorities and civil society organizations, in particular organizations of persons with disabilities. Its report was circulated extensively to the authorities and civil society actors for comment.

A national focal point will be designated and a national coordination system established for implementing the Convention. In addition, an independent and separate structure to promote, protect and monitor the national implementation of the Convention will be designated.

Implementation of the Convention is monitored internationally through periodic reports submitted by the States parties to the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

This monitoring is complemented by the Optional Protocol, which permits individuals as well as groups of people to present complaints to the aforementioned Committee of alleged violations of the rights recognized under the Convention. The Optional Protocol also provides for an inquiry procedure to examine grave or systematic violations of the provisions of the Convention at the Committee’s own initiative.

The Convention and its Optional Protocol entered into force internationally in May 2008. With regard to Finland, they will enter into force on the thirtieth day following the deposit of the instrument of ratification. The intention is that the laws required for bringing the Convention into force will take effect at the same time as the Convention and its Optional Protocol enter into force for Finland.

Additional information: Legal Officer Satu Sistonen, Unit for Human Rights Courts and Conventions, tel. +358 295 351 789, and Tarja Kantola, Special Adviser to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, mobile tel. +358 40 590 4119