MEDIA RELEASE FROM CCS DISABILITY ACTION
04 September 2008
CCS Disability Action Congratulates Parliament on Passing of Disability Bill
CCS Disability Action congratulates Parliament on its swift and unanimous passing of the Disability (United Nations
Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities) Bill and the Human Rights Amendment Bill (No.2)
The passing of the Bill means the Convention can now be ratified by New Zealand.
“This means that the 1 in 5 New Zealanders who live with disability will now have their rights, expectations and
freedoms protected by this strong global commitment,” says Viv Maidaborn, CEO of CCS Disability Action.
Those rights include: the right to the best possible start in life; a choice of where to live; and the right to an
education alongside non disabled friends and family.
CCS Disability Action has been working with the Minister for Disability Issues Ruth Dyson, government officials, and the
international disability community to work towards the ratification of the convention and this is a huge step towards
completing that process.
New Zealand has long been seen as a leader in disability rights and the passing of the Bill will send out a strong
message that New Zealand is committed to creating a fully inclusive society where disabled people are valued.
“In many parts of the world disabled children haven't even been accorded the right to a name, and the minimum of care
that would keep them alive,” says Viv Maidaborn.
With ratification of the convention New Zealand can continue its leading role on the international stage in making a
real difference in the lives of the world's most forgotten and vulnerable people.
“This work is a triumph for New Zealand’s disability community. The next step is for government to tell all New
Zealanders about these rights and commit to creating a New Zealand where all people feel included and able to live life
to the full,” adds Viv Maidaborn.
ENDS