December 13, 2024: Celebrating the 18th Anniversary of the Adoption of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)
Chief Eric Ndubueze Ufom
President/CEO, Equal Rights for Persons with Disabilities International, Inc (ERPWDI)
Okala Mmadu, Okala Mmuo, Aka Ji Ofor, Ngwu Ezi Egbo, OJIANA Umunwankwu
On this historic day, December 13, 2024, we commemorate the 18th anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and its Optional Protocol by the United Nations. This landmark human rights treaty, adopted on December 13, 2006, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, marked a pivotal moment for over 1.3 billion persons with disabilities worldwide.
The CRPD opened for signature on March 30, 2007, with an unprecedented 82 signatories to the Convention, 44 to the Optional Protocol, and one ratification, setting a record for the highest number of signatories on the opening day of any UN convention. The treaty, which entered into force on May 3, 2008, stands as the first comprehensive human rights treaty of the 21st century and the first to be open for signature by regional integration organizations. It is a testament to the global commitment to protecting and promoting the rights, dignity, and equality of persons with disabilities.
For more information on the CRPD, please visit:
Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).
A Tribute to Advocates and Collaborators
As we celebrate this significant milestone, we extend heartfelt gratitude to the pioneers and organizations whose advocacy and relentless efforts led to the adoption of this treaty. Our appreciation goes to the International Disability Caucus (IDC), International Disability Alliance (IDA), Rehabilitation International (RI-Global), Disabled Peoples International (DPI), the United States Council on International Disability (USICD), the U.S. Department of State Office of International Disability Rights, and the late Judy Heumann, among others.
Special recognition is given to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and its Disability Coordinator, Ms. Katherine Guernsey, as well as the Permanent Missions of the United States and Nigeria to the United Nations. We also commend the Federal Republic of Nigeria and organizations such as the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities of Nigeria (JONAPWD-USA), Anambra State Association of Greater Houston Area (ASA-Houston), and the pioneers of Nigeria’s disability rights movement for their instrumental roles.
For more historical insights, please visit:
- Ad Hoc Committee on a Comprehensive Convention on Disability Rights
- History of the International Disability Alliance
- How the International Disability Caucus Worked on the CRPD.
The Legacy of the Nri Kingdom
Historically, the Nri Kingdom of Njikoka Local Government Area in Anambra State, Nigeria, has championed the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities for centuries. Rooted in its ancient philosophy of truth and justice, the kingdom’s customs (Odinana and Omenana Nri) prohibited discrimination against persons with disabilities, regardless of their background, ethnicity, or creed. This enduring legacy serves as a blueprint for modern-day Nigeria in implementing the CRPD and fostering an inclusive society.
For more on the Nri Kingdom’s history and contributions, please visit:
- Records of the Canned Historian: Kingdom of Nri
- The History, Culture, and Legacy of the Nri Kingdom.
Conclusion
Today, as we honor the adoption of the CRPD, let us reaffirm our commitment to advancing the rights, equality, and dignity of persons with disabilities across the globe. Together, we continue the journey toward a world where inclusion is not a privilege but a universal right.