Contemporary Definition of the Concepts of Diversity and Inclusivity in the Context of Persons with Disabilities

3. United Nations (UN) Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

The United Nations (UN) Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities was adopted in 2006 (the Republic of Croatia signed it in 2007).

Purpose (Article 1)
The purpose of the Convention is to promote, protect, and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities, and to promote respect for their inherent dignity.

Principles of the Convention

The Convention is guided by the following principles:

1. Respect for inherent dignity, personal autonomy, including the freedom to make one's own choices, and the independence of persons.
2. Non-discrimination.
3. Full and effective participation and inclusion in society.
4. Respect for difference and acceptance of persons with disabilities as part of human diversity and humanity.
5. Equality of opportunity.
6. Accessibility.
7. Equality between men and women.
8. Respect for the evolving capacities of children with developmental difficulties and respect for the right of children with developmental difficulties to preserve their own identity. (Source: Law on the Ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, 2007)