CBM Australia’s Public Position on the Royal Commission

Stories | September 17, 2019

CBM is an ardent supporter of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). We work with individuals, civil society organisations, Disabled People’s Organisations and governments around the world to ensure that the rights of people with disabilities are recognised, upheld and actively supported in the communities in which they live.

Articles 12 (Equal recognition before the law), 15 (Freedom from torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment) and 16 (Freedom from exploitation, violence and abuse) of the CRPD require Australia, as a signatory, to meet these requirements in respect of Australians with disabilities. CBM wholly supports mechanisms which enable people with disabilities to have their voices heard and advocate for positive change in their lives, as well as the systems and services designed to enable them to be active members of Australian society. CBM recognises that to truly embrace the rights of people with disabilities the call of the movement ‘nothing about us without us’ should be followed.

The Royal Commission will need a significant amount of accessibility resources so all people can take part — sign language, braille, wheelchair access and simple language documents will be needed at every turn. CBM calls on the Australian Government to ensure that the Royal Commission is properly resourced to ensure full participation by Australians with disabilities and that the Royal Commission recognises and listens to concerns raised by Australians with disabilities throughout the process.

Back to Stories

Your donation could save lives

Related Stories

Rise and Thrive: Building resilient communities through inclusive mental health

As the climate crisis accelerates, communities across the Indo-Pacific...

A Father’s Unconditional Love

Allan is a farmer and father of 21-year-old twin brothers, George and Gerald, who together, live in a remote village in the Bicol region...

Estrella’s journey from patient to mental health advocate

Had you asked Estrella from the Philippines what her future looked like five years...