The United Kingdom’s government has declined to participate in a United Nations review of its treatment of disabled individuals, a decision made in the wake of a previous inquiry that raised concerns about grave violations of disabled people’s rights. This move has ignited a storm of criticism from advocacy groups and individuals who have long been fighting for the rights of disabled people in the UK, and as an NDIS provider on the Gold Coast, we can only empathise with them.
In 2016, a United Nations committee released a report that shed light on how welfare reforms in the UK had a detrimental impact on disabled individuals. The report outlined severe concerns about the well-being and rights of disabled citizens. This report was a crucial moment, shining a spotlight on the challenges faced by disabled people in the country.
Not Good Enough
The scheduled hearing at the United Nations in Geneva on Monday was intended to assess the progress made by the UK government in addressing these issues. However, the government withdrew from the meeting, planning to meet with UN officials in March 2024 instead.
A government spokesperson defended the decision, stating that all required procedures had been followed, and the government remained committed to advancing the rights of disabled people in the UK. The government had previously published responses to the UN’s Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities recommendations in 2018, 2021, and 2022. Another update was scheduled for this year, but the recent withdrawal from the review meeting has cast doubt on the government’s dedication to this process.
CRPD Feedback
Following the UK delegation’s absence, the CRPD held a feedback session with British disability rights groups, urging them to raise their concerns about postponing the review with the UK government. Advocates expressed their frustration, highlighting the commitment of their organisations to meet deadlines despite limited resources and contrasting it with the government’s apparent disregard for its obligations.
The absence of UK government representatives conveyed a disturbing message, especially in light of deepening inequalities and mounting financial pressures facing disabled individuals.
In its submission to the UN, the EHRC underscored the government’s slow progress in enhancing the lives of disabled citizens and its failure to act on specific recommendations dating back to 2016. Discrimination against disabled individuals remains a critical issue, aggravated by economic strains.
Responding to these concerns, both the EHRC and the Scottish Human Rights Commission penned a letter to government ministers, expressing their disappointment regarding the postponement of the UN committee’s assessment. The Scottish Human Rights Commission stressed that this delay signifies a disquieting lack of commitment on the government’s part to safeguarding the human rights of disabled people.
Amid these developments, the government has launched a consultation on its Disability Action Plan and highlighted efforts to reform the disability benefits system and invest £2 billion to support sick and disabled individuals in returning to work.
The decision to decline the UN review has caused debate about the government’s commitment to advance and protect the rights of disabled people in the UK.