Ban ki-Moon, meet Larry Swinamer

Larry Swinamer

Ban ki-Moon
8th Secretary General of the United Nations

Thanks to Elizabeth Braid, we learn that the UK is the first country to be investigated for human rights violations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.   Where the mother country is concerned, can Canada be far behind?

I have written about Canada's foot-dragging on the Convention, which it ratified in 2010.  I have been a skeptic and made fun of the thought of calling up buddy Ban to complain.  I haven`t even bothered to comment on Canada`s pathetic and tardy first report on its efforts to comply.  2 years late, irrelevant, inadequate.

Shame on me.  Maybe I should invite Mr. ki-Moon to tour the Hydrostone Market, where he will see the results of Canada`s efforts on Article 4:

• (a) To adopt all appropriate legislative, administrative and other measures for the implementation of the rights recognized in the present Convention;
• (b) To take all appropriate measures, including legislation, to modify or abolish existing laws, regulations, customs and practices that constitute discrimination against persons with disabilities;
• (c) To take into account the protection and promotion of the human rights of persons with disabilities in all policies and programmes;
• (d) To refrain from engaging in any act or practice that is inconsistent with the present Convention and to ensure that public authorities and institutions act in conformity with the present Convention;
• (e) To take all appropriate measures to eliminate discrimination on the basis of disability by any person, organization or private enterprise;

Or how Larry is complying with Article 5:

• 1. States Parties recognize that all persons are equal before and under the law and are entitled without any discrimination to the equal protection and equal benefit of the law.
• 2. States Parties shall prohibit all discrimination on the basis of disability and guarantee to persons with disabilities equal and effective legal protection against discrimination on all grounds.
• 3. In order to promote equality and eliminate discrimination, States Parties shall take all appropriate steps to ensure that reasonable accommodation is provided.
• 4. Specific measures which are necessary to accelerate or achieve de facto equality of persons with disabilities shall not be considered discrimination under the terms of the present Convention.

Or Article 9, or Article 12, or Article 19.  Or especially Article 27, Work and Employment.  You can`t work where you can`t get to.

So maybe a complaint to Ban ki-Moon is the way to go.  I`ll give it a try.  Nothing else seems to work.

Gus Reed
PS You can still sign the petition to make Hydrostone accessible: