UN Human Rights Council 43: Statement for the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
International Ambassador for Human Rights, Rita French, delivers UK statement for the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities on 3 March 2020.
Thank you, Mr Vice President,
The United Kingdom thanks the Special Rapporteur for her report, which recognises that while disabled people may face barriers, they can live fulfilling lives. The UK shares a commitment to supporting and improving disabled people’s lives.
Last year, the UK launched a new cross-government approach to disability to break down the barriers faced by disabled people across the UK. We will publish a ‘National Strategy for Disabled People’ in 2020 to ensure disabled people can lead a life of opportunity and fully participate in society, on an equal basis with others.
As recommended in the report, UK legislation recognises disabled people’s rights to provide their free and informed consent prior to medical or scientific procedures. Research Ethics Committees consider whether research studies take account of disabled people’s rights, for example, delivery of accessible participant information and non-discriminatory designs of a study or trial. The UK’s Equality Act 2010 requirements are embedded within the training of members of Research Ethics Committee.
Madam Special Rapporteur,
What are the best practice remedies to protect disabled people’s rights in the context of medical or scientific procedures?
Thank you.