The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD) was adopted in Germany in 2009 and encompasses a variety of articles covering the rights and needs of individuals with disabilities. Article 24 of the convention is particularly significant as it emphasizes the right to education for people with disabilities. This article obliges the contracting states to ensure an inclusive education system at all levels and to promote lifelong learning.
In addition to the official German translation, the UN CRPD also features a shadow translation created by disability and expert organizations to rectify perceived translation errors. While the shadow translation aligns more closely with the original wording of the convention, the versions in the six official UN languages - English, French, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, and Arabic - hold legal binding. Therefore, the official German version, the shadow translation, and the English original text of Article 24 are presented side by side here.
Article 24 underscores the right of persons with disabilities to education and emphasizes that education must be provided without discrimination and based on equal opportunities. The goals of education are to promote the full development of human potential, awareness of dignity and self-esteem, and respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms, and human diversity. Furthermore, individuals with disabilities should be able to fully unfold their personality, talents, and creative abilities to enable effective participation in a free society.
A central point of this article is the requirement that individuals with disabilities must not be excluded from the general education system due to their disabilities. This applies to both free and compulsory primary education as well as attendance at secondary schools. Contracting states are urged to ensure that persons with disabilities have access to an inclusive, high-quality, and free education at all levels of the education system.
Moreover, adequate measures must be taken to accommodate individual needs to ensure the successful and effective participation of persons with disabilities in the education system. This includes providing support within the general education system to facilitate their effective education.
Another crucial aspect of this article is the promotion of lifelong learning and the development of life skills and social competencies. This is intended to facilitate full and equal participation in education and as members of the community. Contracting states must take measures to promote the learning of Braille, alternative script, forms of communication, orientation and mobility skills. Additionally, individuals with disabilities should have access to sign language, and the linguistic identity of the deaf community should be promoted.
Overall, Article 24 of the UN CRPD emphasizes the importance of an inclusive education system that ensures people with disabilities have equal educational opportunities as everyone else. This article highlights the significance of adequate accommodations, individual support, and training for teachers and professionals to ensure effective and inclusive education. It is a crucial step in promoting the full participation of people with disabilities in education and in society as a whole.