By Poon Chian Hui, The Straits Times, 30 Nov 2012
By signing the United Nations Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, a country commits to promoting and protecting the rights of disabled people.
The Convention, which came into force in 2008, will be signed by Mr Albert Chua, permanent representative of Singapore to the United Nations, in New York.
Acting Minister for Social and Family Development Chan Chun Sing said the areas the ministry will seek to improve include early intervention, education, employment and accessibility.
"We will make steady efforts towards this worthy and meaningful goal," he said.
The signing was made possible by the Enabling Masterplan released earlier this year. It charts the development of programmes and services for the disabled here.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said two months ago that Singapore had not signed the document earlier as carrying out the practical commitment was more important than a signature.
Said Ms Anita Fam, vice-president of the Asian Women's Welfare Association: "The signing inspires us to work steadily and progressively towards creating a society where persons with disabilities are respected and accepted as integral members."
Mr Conrad Campos, who heads the Movement for the Intellectually Disabled, said that he was "happy" with the signing.
He added that the Enabling Masterplan can be a "useful road map" as agencies work towards meeting their obligations under the Convention.
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