Advocacy and human rights
What are human rights?
Human rights are the basic rights and freedoms that belong to every person in the world, from birth until death. They apply regardless of where you are from, what you believe, or how you choose to live your life.
People with Down syndrome have the same human rights as everyone else.
Human rights can never be taken away, although they can sometimes be restricted – for example if a person breaks the law, or in the interests of national security.
These basic rights are based on shared values like dignity, fairness, equality, respect, and independence. These values are defined and protected by law.
Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (sometimes called the “CRPD”) is an international agreement on the rights of people with disabilities.
The CRPD was made because people with disabilities were not getting their human rights. They were being treated unfairly.
The CRPD tells countries what they must do to help people with disabilities. Countries that sign it must follow these rules.
Self-advocacy.
Self-advocacy means speaking up for yourself and what matters to you. It is about saying what you want and need and sharing your thoughts and feelings.
Self-advocacy also means knowing your rights and making decisions about your life. You can still ask for help, but you decide what happens.
Being a self-advocate means you are responsible for your choices. You learn to handle the results of your decisions.
This helps you live a more independent and happy life.
When you can speak up for yourself, you can make better choices for your life.
People with Down syndrome might need help to speak up for themselves.
Our network helps people with Down syndrome from all over the world to learn about self-advocacy.
Advocacy.
Advocacy means speaking up for someone else. It can help fix problems, get support, or change rules that affect people with Down syndrome.
Advocacy is important to protect the rights of people with Down syndrome. It helps them get the same chances as others and be treated with respect.
People and groups can be advocates for those with Down syndrome. They work to make sure their voices are heard and their needs are met.
Our network works with advocates from all over the world sharing knowledge, advice, and support.
Together we advocate for the rights of people with Down syndrome.
Key issues.
Our advocacy work is focused on 4 key human rights issues that we believe need the most attention right now:
- Inclusive organisations
- Inclusive health
- Inclusive education
- Inclusive employment