North Wales MS and Chair of the Cross Party Group on Disability in the Senedd, Mark Isherwood MS, has spoken of the need to strengthen and promote the rights of disabled people at yesterday’s Prestatyn Self Advocacy for Learning Disability’s ‘Hear Our Voice 2022’ Conference.
At the event, Mr Isherwood outlined the rights people with learning disabilities have under existing UK and Welsh law, but said that “despite the existing rights that do exist, we could go further”.
He said:
“The Human Rights Act, which became law in 1998, is important for people with learning disabilities as it places a duty on public authorities, such as Governments, Councils, Police, Care providers and some transport providers, to ensure that all actions and decisions that they make take these rights into account. If a public authority does not, it may be in breach of an individual’s human rights and they could be taken to court. There are 16 rights in the Human Rights Act. Each one is called an Article. They are all taken from the European Convention on Human Rights.
“I hear almost daily from disabled people, communities and carers who are having to fight for the support and services they need to enable them to lead an independent life.
“Despite the existing rights that do exist, we could go further. I support proposals for the Welsh Government to include the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Disabled People (UNCRPD) into Welsh law. This convention comprehensively sets out the rights of disabled people and provides a framework for action on how these rights are protected and enforced.
“I have previously spoken in the Senedd of the merit in incorporating this into Welsh law in order to strengthen and promote the rights of disabled people.
“Above all, we must turn legislation and plans into action, to give people with learning disabilities real voice, choice, control and independence. People with learning disabilities have the right to speak for themselves. Voice, choice and control are key parts of the Social Services and Well Being (Wales) Act.
“Welsh Government must work to ensure that people with learning disabilities continue to have access to independent advocacy services, and that sufficient resources are provided to meet demand, as well as helping to ensure that people have the skills and support to live as independently as possible. The Welsh Government must ensure that the voice of people with learning disabilities is involved in the design and delivery of services before crisis happens.
“As Chair of the Cross Party Group on Disability in the Senedd, I want to continue working with you to make sure this happens.”