The UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities [website] released a statement [text] Tuesday that women with disabilities face discrimination and are often excluded from freely participating in society. The statement, aimed at member states that have ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities [materials], urged empowerment for women with disabilities, so they may enjoy their fundamental rights. The committee has issued a General Comment [materials] to guide member states in structuring health, educational and employment opportunities to better serve this population.

The promotion of rights for persons with disabilities is a critical issue around the world. Earlier this month the US Department of Justice (DOJ) filed suit against the state of Georgia alleging the “unnecessary segregation of persons with disabilities in state programs, services, and activities” [JURIST report]. In April the advocacy group Human Rights Watch (HRW) claimed France is failing to provide adequate mental health care [JURIST report] and appropriate conditions for prisoners with psychosocial disabilities. In 2015 HRW condemned the EU for refusing to take action to address Hungary’s alleged problematic laws and practices regarding human rights [JURIST report] since the European Commission enacted a “rule of law” measure [text, PDF] in March 2014. Hungary’s problematic practices include limitations on the powers of the Constitutional court; restraints on media freedom; and restrictions on the rights of women, people with disabilities, religious groups and homeless people.