More than a billion people in the world experience disability. Yet, they are often invisible and face challenges in the enjoyment of their human rights. How can laws, policies and praxis recognize them on an equal basis with others? Where can we find successful examples and opportunities to respond to these challenges?
This online course provides the knowledge and skills participants need to answer such questions. Module 1 looks at the development of disability as a human rights issue at the global level and the application of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) in areas such as education and independent living. Module 2 enriches implementation issues with national perspectives, from Ireland to Argentina, from Kenya to Thailand.
Topics covered include:
Module 1
Week 1: Disability as a human rights issue at the global level
Week 2: Adoption of the UNCRPD
Week 3: Application of the UNCRPD to selected areas
Module 2
Week 4: Exploring the links between global, regional and national approaches (focus on Africa and Kenya)
Week 5: Regional perspectives on disability (focus on ASEAN and OAS)
Week 6: National laws and monitoring (with the examples of Ireland and Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Previous study of International Law, Politics and Human Rights may facilitate the learning.
To earn the certificate, participation in 4 weekly discussions and completion of 2 quizzes is required.
On completion of the course, participants will be able to:
- Understand the development of disability as a human rights issue.
- Recognize and apply human rights standards related to disability from the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to national instruments.
- Appreciate the rights of persons with disabilities from a comparative perspective.
- Relate theoretical concepts and approaches regarding non-discrimination and equality to specific case studies, with particular attention on intersectional discrimination.