The CRPD is accompanied by an Optional Protocol, which establishes the competence
of the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities^28 along with its mandate to
receive and consider communications from or on behalf of individuals or groups who
claim to be victims of violation by the State Party of the provisions of the Convention.
The Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is also responsible for
international monitoring and receives and considers periodic reports from States Parties
along similar lines to those under other human rights treaties.^29 It is important to note
that although Canada has ratified the CRPD, it has not ratified the Optional Protocol.
III. Themes
The CRPD outlines in considerable detail the rights of persons with disabilities under
international law and sets out a code of implementation for governments. It is a
practically focused convention closely informed by the experiences of persons with
disabilities worldwide, as represented by their organizations in the negotiations. People
with disabilities clearly articulated the challenges, difficulties, and requirements of
persons with disabilities in their interaction with society at large, and it is that myriad of
areas on which the Convention focuses.^30
The CRPD spans a wide range of issues, including accessibility, personal mobility,
health, education, employment, adequate standard of living and social protection,
habilitation and rehabilitation, and participation in political life, equality and non-
discrimination. The Convention marks a "paradigm shift" from thinking about disability
as a social welfare matter to dealing with it as a human rights issue, which
acknowledges that societal barriers and prejudices are themselves disabling.^31
Three recurring themes can be drawn from the Convention:^32
(^28) Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, GA Res 61/106,
UNGAOR, 61st Sess, UN Doc A/Res/61/106 (13 December, 2006), Article 1(1). 29
30 Supra note 1, Articles 34-35.^
31 Supra note 2 at 327.^
32 Supra note 2 at 328.^
Supra note 2 at 329.