November 15, 2011 : Lecture : IDA and UNCRPD
Today the participants welcomed a professor of disability studies from Graduate School of Economics, University of Tokyo.
The day went in a very interactive and friendly manner. The participants first introduced themselves to the lecturer, who then introduced himself to the class. In the morning lecture he first explained the “social model”, which underlies the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). He also illustrated the development of the International Disability Alliance (IDA) and a number of the chronological events, such as the 1981 International Year of PWDs and the successive proposals made by Italy, Sweden and Mexico, which together led to the adoption of the UNCRPD in 2006.
Following lunch, the lecturer examined the Convention article by article, discussing their implications. The participants were also asked about the situation of their own countries with regard to signing/ratifying the UNCRPD. Of importance, the class focused on “ratification” and “implementation” of the UNCRPD, and considered how the latter could take place in their home countries.
The participants raised a number of questions after the lectures. They say that it was a great opportunity to closely look at the UNCRPD.
Many thanks to the professor for the thought-provoking day…!
