On the 8th of October 2024 the Irish government announced its decision to accede to the Optional Protocol to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). Ireland originally ratified the UNCRPD in March 2018, committing to fair treatment and inclusion of people with disabilities. The Optional Protocol strengthens the Convention by allowing individuals or groups to file complaints with the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities if their rights under the Convention are violated.
By joining this protocol, Ireland enhances accountability and ensures better protection of disability rights. The UN Committee, made up of independent experts, can investigate serious violations and provide recommendations to Ireland. Domestic remedies must be exhausted first before submitting a complaint. This step emphasises the importance of addressing rights violations within the country before turning to international bodies.
The Taoiseach Simon Harris, Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin, the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O’Gorman, and the Minister of State for Disability, Anne Rabbitte, welcomed this decision as a significant step toward a more inclusive society. They highlighted the importance of ensuring that people with disabilities are supported, treated equally, and have their rights upheld. Minister Roderic O’Gorman emphasised that this move resulted from coordinated government efforts, while Minister Anne Rabbitte acknowledged the advocacy efforts that helped drive this progress.
The Tánaiste will sign the protocol on behalf of the government, which will take effect 30 days after the signing. This decision is part of Ireland’s broader efforts to improve the lives of people with disabilities and will be further reinforced by the upcoming National Disability Strategy.
The National Platform of Self-Advocates is pleased that its advocacy and campaigning work with other Disabled Persons Organisations has helped to bring this decision about.