Fwd: UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Mary Angus
Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)
Treaty Number 112-7
Message: Will you support the CRPD?
We want a hearing and floor vote in time for the ADA anniversary!
- The CRPD was inspired by US leadership in recognizing rights of people with disabilities.
- The CRPD will improve access for Americans with disabilities who live, work, or travel abroad, including veterans.
- CRPD ratification is critical to maintaining our leadership role and to eliminating disability discrimination throughout the world.
- Disability rights issues have always enjoyed strong bipartisan support (the ADA Amendments passed with unanimous consent in Senate).
- Sens. McCain, Moran, and Barrasso are the leading Republican supporters of the treaty; Sens. Durbin, Harkin, Coons and Udall are the leading Democratic supporters.
- Time is running out in this Congress. CRPD costs the US no additional funds; ratification requires no change to U.S. law; it is good for US business.
o The proposed RUD package ensures that no changes in Federal or state law will be required.
o Funding for the committee established by the CRPD comes from the general UN budget, which the U.S., like other UN members, already contribute.
o The CRPD is leveling the playing field for U.S. corporations by requiring businesses abroad to create policies on accessibility that meet ADA standards. Also, the CRPD’s implementation abroad will create demand for accessible goods that American businesses produce.
- President Bush 41 has sent a letter supporting the treaty to Senate leadership.
o President Bush 41 signed the ADA into law and President Bush 43 signed the ADA Amendments Act into law.
- Over 165 disability organizations support this treaty, including major organizations within your state.
- 21 veterans’ groups support the treaty including Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans and Wounded Warrior Project.
Dear Senator Johanns,Sincerely,
As a person with disabilities (or friend/family member/advocate) for Nebraska citizens with significant disabilities, I am writing to urge you to support the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Please contact Senator John McCain's office regarding this issue as soon as possible and sign on as a supporter of the treaty. Senator McCain is taking a lead on this critical issue. He is working across the aisle to support scheduling a hearing in the very near future on this matter. 146 countries have ratified the Convention to date. The treaty includes much of the language in the current Americans with Disabilities Act, so we are really just asking our country sign on to a treaty that guarantees the same rights of people with disabilities world-wide. This requires no additional funds or resources. I believe other countries are looking to the U.S. to take a position of leadership in this matter. Thank you for your service to our state.