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USICD NewsNovember 2010
USICD Executive Director Participates in 2010 Universal Periodic Review in Geneva.
David Morrissey and Joan Durocher at UPR in Geneva
David Morrissey and Joan Durocher at the UPR

David Morrissey served as a public sector advisor to the United States delegation to the United Nations Human Rights Council Periodic Review held in Geneva, Switzerland, on November 4 and 5, 2010.  In civil society side event discussions on U.S. engagement in human rights treaties, David advocated for U.S. ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities without reservations or substantive derogation from the object and purpose of the Convention.

 

"I regard the opportunity to serve as an advisor to the U.S. delegation as an affirmation that the U.S. government considers disability as a human rights issue and understands that people with disabilities are vital voices in American civil society," David said.  "This is an important moment for USICD and our community.  To be asked to serve as a public sector advisor is an honor that also assigns responsibility.  This is a unique opportunity to speak up for a broad definition of human rights and to support the concerns of human rights advocates in all of our diversity.  It is a responsibility I do not take lightly.  This UPR process is a dynamic one, and I will continue to raise my voice to push for the Obama Administration to continue to engage advocates in dialogue and collaboration to advance equality and fair treatment in the United States."


USICD offers statement on Convention on Elimination of Discrimination Against Women

USICD weighed in on the important issue of Women's Rights for the November 18 Senate Hearing on the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) held by Senator Richard Durbin.   The letter emphasized that disability rights is an essential component of women's rights, and urged the U.S. to claim its vital role as a leader on Human Rights. 


You can read the full text of the letter here

USICD and WiderNet Now Accepting Applications for GDRL Deployment Sites

GDRL Logo


USICD and the WiderNet Project, collaborating partners on building the Global Disability Rights Library, are now accepting applications for deployment sites for the Global Disability Rights Library.  USAID grant funding provides for a total of 60 deployments, and USICD is looking for organizations in developing countries to host the GDRL content and share these resources with communities. 

 

Ideal deployment site candidates have a demonstrated commitment to disability rights promotion or facilitation and have the organizational capacity to become a hub for disability rights information dissemination, yet cannot easily obtain digital information via the web because of limited internet access.   Learn more about the selection criteria for GDRL deployment sites here. 

 

If you are part of an organization that fits these criteria, or if you know of organizations that would make strong partners for the GDRL, please visit http://www.widernet.org/digitallibrary/GDRLSiteSelection/ for the application.  Feel free to email [email protected] with questions or to recommend deployment sites. 

State Department to Host International Day of Persons with Disabilities Program on Dec. 3

In recognition of the United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the Special Advisor for International Disability Rights to the State Department Judy Heumann is hosting a series of community events addressing the critical issues of HIV/AIDS and disability, violence against women and girls with disabilities, and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.  The event will be held December 3 from 12:30-5:30pm at the State Department.    


Click here for RSVP details and to read the full event announcement

CRPD Education on the Road
Mariyam Cementwala and Glen White at APRIL conference
Mariyam Cementwala and Glen White present on the CRPD at the APRIL Conference in Kansas City

 

USICD Manager of Government Relations Mariyam Cementwala joined USICD board members Glen White and Michael Winter at the Association of Programs for Rural Independent Living (APRIL) in Kansas City, Kansas.  Mariyam and Glen presented there on the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).  Mariyam followed this presentation with a similar sessions on the CRPD at the Western Regional Conference on Disabilities in Fresno, California, highlighting the exciting promise represented by the CRPD and what has already been achieved.  USICD staff and Speakers Bureau are always available to provide educational opportunities on the CRPD and provide background information and material on the Convention. 


UPCOMING
 USICD EVENTS and OPPORTUNITIES

Global Disability Rights Library Internship - USICD Seeks library interns for the GDRL project

 

Application Process Open for GDRL Deployment Sites
Apply now to be recipient of Global Disability Rights Library. 


WORLD HEADLINES AND OPPORTUNITIES

Partner News

DPI Update -- Week of November 3, 2010

DPI Update -- Week of October 27, 2010

 

Latest RI News -- October 26, 2010



CRPD Ratification Watch
As of November 22, 2010

CRPD:
  • 147 Signatories
  • 96 Ratifications

Optional Protocol:
  • 90 Signatories
  • 60 Ratifications
Recent Ratifications: 

Turkmenistan Ratifies Optional Protocol to the CRPD on November 10, 2010.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Ratify the Treaty on October 29, 2010.

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