The United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) recently published a report which found that despite steps taken, the government has failed to take all appropriate measures to address grave and systematic violations of the human rights of persons with disabilities and has failed to eliminate the root causes of inequality and discrimination.
Responding to the findings, Dr Rhidian Hughes, Chief Executive of the Voluntary Organisations Disability Group (VODG) says:
‘The Committee’s findings are a shocking indictment of the government’s approach to disabled people and their right to live the lives they choose.
‘In the same month that the government missed its only target to move 50% of people with a learning disability and autistic people out of inpatient mental health hospitals, and the Prime Minister took aim at disabled people in his announcement on work and benefit reforms; the UN specifically raise concerns with the government’s approach to benefits, the Work Capability Assessment and the institutionalisation of disabled people, amongst other things.
‘Despite current challenges facing the sector, it is incredibly disappointing that even with a thriving voluntary, charity and social enterprise sector working alongside disabled people and delivering highly-valued support to millions, the government appears intent on turning its back on the needs and rights of disabled people.
'We urge the Government to take the UNCRPD's concerns seriously and work with disabled people, deaf and disabled people's organisations and third sector providers to work positively to unlock innovation and change at scale'.