The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (Obligation on Public Authorities) Bill would place a legal duty on public authorities to give due regard to the rights set out in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).
The consultation showed overwhelming support, with 87% agreeing that public authorities should be required to consider the UNCRPD in their work, and 96% believing that the benefits outweigh the costs.
Mr Donnelly has said: “Northern Ireland, unlike the rest of the UK, has not updated its primary disability legislation since 1995. That’s unacceptable. This Bill is about ensuring that public bodies take the rights of people with disabilities seriously at every level of decision-making.
“Northern Ireland already lags behind the rest of the UK, with no Equality Act and outdated disability legislation still in place. Unless steps are taken locally this gap will only widen further. Full implementation of the UNCRPD is what the consultation has overwhelmingly called for and Northern Ireland has the devolved power to act, just as Scotland did, with children’s rights and the UNCRC. This Bill would be a first step, but a vital one.
“In light of the UK Government’s current plan to force through such debilitating welfare cuts at Westminster, the need for Northern Ireland to strengthen its own disability rights legislation could not be more urgent.
“We cannot continue to be left behind, and from the response to my consultation, it’s clear the sector and wider society agree. People with disabilities here are entitled to the same protections and dignity as everyone else, and we’re committed to delivering legislation that reflects lived experience and real need.”