United Nations Radio

With the deposit by Ecuador of the instrument of ratification this morning, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its Optional Protocol begins the process of its entry into force, which will take place 30 days afterwards on May 3, 2008.

Member states adopted the convention on December 13, 2006. The Secretary-General congratulates the States that have already ratified or acceded to the Convention for enabling it to enter into force within such a short period of time.

It is estimated that there are at least 650 million persons with disabilities worldwide, of whom approximately 80 percent live in less-developed countries. The Convention, together with its Optional Protocol is deeply rooted in the firm commitment of the international community to rectifying the egregious neglect and dehumanizing practices that violate the human rights of persons with disabilities.

Reporting for UN Radio, this is Gerry Adams.

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