The General Principles of the Convention set out in Article 3 apply to all articles in
Convention. These principles are particularly important and useful in the interpretation
of other Articles. They are:
- Respect for inherent dignity, individual autonomy including the freedom
to make one's own choices, and independence of persons; - Non-discrimination;
- Full and effective participation and inclusion in society;
- Respect for difference and acceptance of persons with disabilities as
part of human diversity and humanity; - Equality of opportunity;
- Accessibility;
- Equality between men and women; and
- Respect for the evolving capacities of children with disabilities and
respect for the right of children with disabilities to preserve their
identities.^58
As articulated in a CRPD Monitoring Guide, released by the Office of the High
Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), these eight principles “guide the
interpretation and implementation of the entire Convention, cutting across all issues.
They are the starting point for understanding and interpreting the rights of persons with
disabilities, providing benchmarks against which each right is measured.”^59
When considering the rights of persons with disabilities with low incomes, Preamble
Article (t) is most salient in that it highlights the fact that a majority of people with
disabilities live in poverty and recognizes the critical need to address the negative
impact of poverty on persons with disabilities^60. In light of Preamble Article (t), articles
such as Article 28 should be viewed as creating obligations relating to poverty
alleviation.
http://www.internationaldisabilityalliance.org/sites/disalliance.e-
presentaciones.net/files/public/files/Workshop%20to%20Establish%20a%20Roadmap_Report.pdf. 57
58 Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, supra note 1, Articles 31, 33.^
59 Ibid art 3.^
The United Nations, Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Monitoring the Convention on
the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: Guidance for Human Rights Monitors, Professional training series
No. 17 (New York: United Nations, 2010), online:
<http://www.ohchr.org/Documents/Publications/Disab 60 ilities_training_17EN.pdf>.
Supra note 1, Preamble (t).