Towards equality for women with disabilities in South Africa: The implementation of articles 5 and 6 of the convention on the rights of persons with disabilities South Africa: The implementation of articles 5 and 6 of the convention on the rights of persons with disabilities

Abstract

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities provides for various rights that must be prioritised by states parties which have signed and ratified it, with particular emphasis on the right to equality. The CRPD was signed and ratified by South Africa, and as such has become binding and requires implementation into the domestic legislation of the country. Article 5 of the CRPD provides generally for the principles of equality and non-discrimination of persons with disabilities. Article 6 then furthers this concept specifically for women with disabilities. The aim of this article is to determine whether the current legislative measures in place in South Africa, to realise the right to equality of women with disabilities, are compliant with international law. To this end, articles 5 and 6 of the CRPD along with the General Comments released by the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities will be analysed.