3 May 2008, Budapest, Hungary. MDAC today welcomes the entry into force of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and encourages all countries to ratify and implement the Convention as soon as possible. The Convention was adopted by the UN General Assembly on 13 December 2006, and was opened for signature and ratification on 30 March 2007. The Convention has been signed by 127 countries and ratified by 25.

MDAC is concerned that only three (Hungary, Slovenia and Spain) out of 27 European Union countries have ratified the Convention, and calls on other European countries to do so as soon as possible. You can make this happen by joining the "Ratify Now [1]" campaign!

The Convention asserts the rights of an estimated 650 million people with disabilities to education, health, work, adequate living conditions, freedom of movement and freedom from violence and exploitation. Of particular significance for people with intellectual disabilities and people with mental health disabilities is that the Convention provides:

- the right to equal recognition before the law and the obligation on governments to establish support mechanisms for people who need assistance in making decisions.
- the right to live in the community.
- the right to vote, without exceptions.

The Convention's Optional Protocol, which will also be binding starting today, allows individuals to petition an international expert body with grievances.

Please donate to MDAC so that we can use the Convention to advance the rights of children and adults with intellectual and mental health and disabilities!
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