This guide is your personal tool for using the UN CRPD to develop the language necessary to advocate for a life of dignity, autonomy and belonging.
Our simple guide breaks down the United Nations Convention on the
Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD) into easy-to-understand language.
Understand the global agreement that protects your dignity, autonomy, and freedoms.
The UN CRPD is an international human rights agreement created to ensure that people with disabilities have the same rights and freedoms as everyone else.
By ratifying the UN CRPD in 2008, Australia formally agreed to follow its rules and work to protect the rights it outlines.
This makes it a legally binding international document, however, it’s slightly different. This isn’t a law you can use to take someone to a local court. Instead,
legally binding means Australia is obligated to review and change its own national laws, policies and systems to match the standards set by the UN CRPD. It’s a commitment to systemic, long-term change.
The UN CRPD is designed to change the mindset to see disability as a human rights issue. When we advocate using this language, we are not asking for charity or special treatment; we are demanding our universal human rights.
Knowing the Articles gives us clarity and power. When we reference them, we move the conversation from asking for a favour to asserting an inherent human right. For example, instead of saying, “I need a ramp,” you can state, “The lack
of accessible infrastructure violates Article 9 (Accessibility)” Replace with –
For example, instead of saying, “I am feeling frustrated by this repetitive paperwork,” you can state, Forcing me to repeatedly recite my trauma violates Article 17 (Protecting the integrity of the person) by subjecting me to re-traumatisation for administrative simplicity.”
The Articles below highlight foundational rights that directly counter the challenges
faced by people with psychosocial disabilities:
1. The Right to Autonomy and Choice
This principle challenges the decades of paternalism where others (doctors, family, caseworkers) made choices for you.
2. The Right to Dignity and Belonging
This principle counters isolation and deficit-based views. It affirms your value and your right to
be a full, active member of society.
Every right is a tool. Download our Simple Guide to the UN CRPD to understand the foundation of the human rights movement and gain the specific, powerful language required for effective advocacy.
