Latest news with #UnitedNationsConventionontheRightsofPersonswithDisabilities


United News of India
5 days ago
- Politics
- United News of India
SC issues comprehensive guidelines for disability-friendly prisons in Tamil Nadu
New Delhi, July 15 (UNI) The Supreme Court today issued a set of comprehensive guidelines to ensure disability rights and accessibility for prisoners with disabilities in all prisons across Tamil Nadu. The directions mandate disability-friendly infrastructure such as accessible toilets, ramps, dedicated spaces for physiotherapy, and other essential facilities. A bench comprising Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice R Mahadevan passed these directions while hearing a special leave petition filed by an advocate with disabilities who suffered due to lack of proper facilities during incarceration in connection with a civil dispute. The Court directed the State to amend the State Prison Manual within six months to bring it in line with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (RPwD Act) and the 2006 United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). Justice Mahadevan, authoring the judgment, emphasised: 'The State has a constitutional and moral obligation to uphold the rights of prisoners with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations are not optional but integral to any humane and just carceral system.' The Court observed that disabilities must not become a basis for further deprivation or suffering, and called for a systemic transformation grounded in compassion, accountability, and a constitutional commitment to dignity and equality. Key Directions Issued Include, Prompt identification of prisoners with disabilities at admission and provision of rules in accessible formats (Braille, large print, sign language, simplified language). Universal accessibility in prison premises with wheelchair-friendly spaces, accessible toilets, ramps, and sensory-safe environments. Designation of dedicated spaces for physiotherapy, psychotherapy, and therapeutic services. State-level access audit of all prisons within six months, with periodic audits thereafter. Compliance with Sections 40 and 45 of the RPwD Act, 2016, Rule 15 of the 2017 Rules, and Harmonised Guidelines, 2021. Equivalent healthcare for prisoners with disabilities, including assistive devices, physiotherapy, psychiatric services, and medical diets tailored to specific needs. Training of prison medical officers and staff on disability rights, equality, and non-discrimination principles. Revision of the State Prison Manual within six months to include provisions prohibiting discrimination against prisoners with disabilities, and to promote reasonable accommodation. Periodic consultations with civil society organisations working in the disability sector. Constitution of a monitoring committee to conduct inspections and submit compliance reports every three months. Maintenance of disaggregated data on prisoners' disability status, accessibility, accommodations, and medical requirements, to be made public with privacy safeguards. The Director General of Prisons to file a compliance report before the State Human Rights Commission within three months. The matter pertains to that the petitioner suffers from Becker Muscular Dystrophy, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and related psychological conditions. Due to a lack of reasonable accommodations in prison, his health deteriorated. After his release on bail, he was granted compensation of Rs 1 lakh by the Tamil Nadu Human Rights Commission, which also recommended making all prisons accessible in line with the Supreme Court's 2017 Rajiv Raturi judgment recognising accessible infrastructure as part of Article 21. His writ petition before the Madras High Court was dismissed in November 2022, leading to the present appeal before the Supreme Court. UNI SNG RN


Scotsman
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Scotsman
Scottish charity Enable launches ‘Access for All' to drive inclusion in sport and culture
Leading Scottish charity Enable has today (Thursday 10 July 2025) launched a new landmark programme, 'Access for All', championing the rights of people with disabilities to fully participate in sport, culture and the arts. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The innovative partnership, inspired by Article 30 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), is being launched during Scottish Disability Sport's (SDS) 2025 Summer Camp, taking place this week at Badaguish Campsite near Aviemore in the Scottish Highlands. The residential camp brings together young people aged 10 to 17 years old with physical, sensory or learning disabilities for three days of sport, connection and confidence-building. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Access for All, driven by Enable's purpose of creating an equal society for people with disabilities, will run as a three-year strategic programme aimed at increasing access to Scotland's cultural and sporting life. The first phase focuses on sport, beginning with Enable's sponsorship of the SDS Summer Camp 2025. This marks the start of a growing partnership between the two charities, with future plans to connect Enable's local branches with SDS's regional hubs to help create more inclusive sporting opportunities across the country. Scottish Disability Sport Summer Camp The scheme also sees a renewed partnership with inclusive rugby charity Trust Rugby International (TRI), beginning with the launch of the 'Bannockburn Clan', a new inclusive rugby team created with Enable Falkirk. Over the next three years, the partnership will also explore opportunities around skills development and wider participation in sport for people with disabilities. Enable CEO, Theresa Shearer FRSE, said: 'For over 70 years, Enable has fought for the human rights of disabled people to be active, connected and engaged in their communities. 'That means going beyond providing services. It means opening doors to friendship, networks, culture, and sport – the things that make life full and joyful. That is why Access for All, Enable's new multi-year programme, is built around Article 30 of the UNCRPD, which recognises the rights of people with disabilities to fully participate in cultural life, recreation, leisure and sport. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Access for All will be rooted in the rights and ambitions of our members and those we work for, aiming to open up meaningful opportunities for engagement across sport, culture, and the arts. We are proud to launch the programme at the SDS Summer Camp 2025, where young people are experiencing inclusion in action, and, through our partnerships with SDS and Trust Rugby International, we will continue building real and lasting opportunities for participation and inclusion in every aspect of life.' Kyle Stevenson, 17, supported by Enable Gavin Macleod, Chief Executive Officer of Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) said: 'SDS is delighted to be working in partnership with Enable to co-ordinate the 2025 Summer Sports Camp for young people with disabilities. Both organisations are committed to developing opportunities that allow participants with disabilities to benefit physically, socially and psychologically from being involved in physical activity and sport. The camp has become an important addition to the SDS annual calendar and offers a wide variety of outdoor, recreational and social experiences.' Jamie Armstrong of Trust Rugby International (TRI) said: 'At a time when the world feels more divided than ever, this partnership is about bringing people back together. TRI Social Rugby gives us a powerful way to break down barriers, build trust, and remind communities what it means to truly belong, on and off the pitch.' Future phases of Access for All will focus on increasing participation in Scotland's arts and cultural life, and on influencing inclusive policy development, ensuring that the full breadth of Article 30 is reflected in everyday life for people with disabilities across the country.


South Wales Guardian
10-07-2025
- Politics
- South Wales Guardian
Who are the 47 Labour MPs who rebelled in the welfare reforms vote?
Mother of the House Diane Abbott, former minister Dawn Butler, and former shadow minister Andy McDonald were among the 47 Labour MPs who voted against the welfare Bill at third reading. The reforms passed with MPs voting 336 votes to 242, majority 94. The Government had watered down its welfare plans last week by removing the personal independence payment (Pip) part of the Bill in a bid to appease angry backbenchers. Despite this, a number of Labour MPs remained unhappy with the now-called Universal Credit Bill. Speaking in the Commons, Neil Duncan-Jordan, the Poole MP, said the Government's earlier concessions were not enough 'because this Bill still contains a proposal to cut £2 billion from the universal credit health element for over 750,000 future claims'. Nadia Whittome, MP for Nottingham East, said 'these changes do not alleviate all of my concerns', adding: 'One in three disabled people are already in poverty. 'This Bill, even after the Government's amendment, would take around £3,000 a year from the disabled people of the future.' Kim Johnson argued the Bill 'remains a danger to disabled people', adding: 'It's not just a bad policy, it's economically reckless, because when you take away essential support you don't reduce costs, you shift those costs on to the NHS, on to local authorities and on to unpaid carers and on to working class communities.' The Liverpool Riverside MP said she 'will not stand by while this Government has stripped away dignity, security and hope for the people I represent'. Mr McDonald described the situation as a 'shambles', adding: 'Now is the moment to stop the cuts, and I implore the Government to rethink this Bill.' The Middlesbrough and Thornaby East MP said the welfare Bill would 'discourage' people from taking an opportunity to try and work. 'A Government that claims to care about fairness cannot proceed like this,' he added. Alison Hume, MP for Scarborough and Whitby, also urged the Government to 'pull this Bill', adding: 'Let's get it right for the people who really matter. Let's get it right for disabled people.' Cat Eccles, who spoke of her own experience of the system after she 'almost lost my life, followed by a total mental breakdown', also criticised the legislation. The Stourbridge MP said: 'I didn't come here to make people worse off, and that's why I still cannot support this Bill.' Stella Creasy tabled an amendment which would have required the Secretary of State to have due regard to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The Walthamstow MP said her new clause four would aim to 'ensure that people can live a life of freedom equally alongside us as our fellow human beings' and that 'disabled people in our communities can meet their living expenses'. Here is a full list of Labour MPs who voted against the Bill at third reading: Diane Abbott (Hackney North and Stoke Newington), Rosena Allin-Khan (Tooting), Paula Barker (Liverpool Wavertree), Lee Barron (Corby and East Northamptonshire), Lorraine Beavers (Blackpool North and Fleetwood), Olivia Blake (Sheffield Hallam), Chris Bloore (Redditch), Jonathan Brash (Hartlepool), Richard Burgon (Leeds East), Maureen Burke (Glasgow North East), Dawn Butler (Brent East), Ian Byrne (Liverpool West Derby), Irene Campbell (North Ayrshire and Arran), Stella Creasy (Walthamstow), Marsha De Cordova (Battersea), Peter Dowd (Bootle), Neil Duncan-Jordan (Poole), Cat Eccles (Stourbridge), Mary Kelly Foy (City of Durham), Barry Gardiner (Brent West), Tracy Gilbert (Edinburgh North and Leith), Mary Glindon (Newcastle upon Tyne East and Wallsend), Chris Hinchliff (North East Hertfordshire), Alison Hume (Scarborough and Whitby), Imran Hussain (Bradford East), Kim Johnson (Liverpool Riverside), Ian Lavery (Blyth and Ashington), Brian Leishman (Alloa and Grangemouth), Emma Lewell (South Shields), Clive Lewis (Norwich South), Rebecca Long Bailey (Salford), Rachael Maskell (York Central), Andy McDonald (Middlesbrough and Thornaby East), Navendu Mishra (Stockport), Abtisam Mohamed (Sheffield Central), Grahame Morris (Easington), Margaret Mullane (Dagenham and Rainham), Simon Opher (Stroud), Kate Osborne (Jarrow and Gateshead East), Bell Ribeiro-Addy (Clapham and Brixton Hill), Marie Rimmer (St Helens South and Whiston), Euan Stainbank (Falkirk), Graham Stringer (Blackley and Middleton South), Jon Trickett (Normanton and Hemsworth), Derek Twigg (Widnes and Halewood), Nadia Whittome (Nottingham East), Mohammad Yasin (Bedford).


Glasgow Times
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Glasgow Times
Who are the 47 Labour MPs who rebelled in the welfare reforms vote?
Mother of the House Diane Abbott, former minister Dawn Butler, and former shadow minister Andy McDonald were among the 47 Labour MPs who voted against the welfare Bill at third reading. The reforms passed with MPs voting 336 votes to 242, majority 94. The Government had watered down its welfare plans last week by removing the personal independence payment (Pip) part of the Bill in a bid to appease angry backbenchers. Despite this, a number of Labour MPs remained unhappy with the now-called Universal Credit Bill. Speaking in the Commons, Neil Duncan-Jordan, the Poole MP, said the Government's earlier concessions were not enough 'because this Bill still contains a proposal to cut £2 billion from the universal credit health element for over 750,000 future claims'. Nadia Whittome, MP for Nottingham East, said 'these changes do not alleviate all of my concerns', adding: 'One in three disabled people are already in poverty. 'This Bill, even after the Government's amendment, would take around £3,000 a year from the disabled people of the future.' Kim Johnson argued the Bill 'remains a danger to disabled people', adding: 'It's not just a bad policy, it's economically reckless, because when you take away essential support you don't reduce costs, you shift those costs on to the NHS, on to local authorities and on to unpaid carers and on to working class communities.' The Liverpool Riverside MP said she 'will not stand by while this Government has stripped away dignity, security and hope for the people I represent'. Labour MP Nadia Whittome (David Woolfall/PA) Mr McDonald described the situation as a 'shambles', adding: 'Now is the moment to stop the cuts, and I implore the Government to rethink this Bill.' The Middlesbrough and Thornaby East MP said the welfare Bill would 'discourage' people from taking an opportunity to try and work. 'A Government that claims to care about fairness cannot proceed like this,' he added. Alison Hume, MP for Scarborough and Whitby, also urged the Government to 'pull this Bill', adding: 'Let's get it right for the people who really matter. Let's get it right for disabled people.' Cat Eccles, who spoke of her own experience of the system after she 'almost lost my life, followed by a total mental breakdown', also criticised the legislation. The Stourbridge MP said: 'I didn't come here to make people worse off, and that's why I still cannot support this Bill.' Stella Creasy tabled an amendment which would have required the Secretary of State to have due regard to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The Walthamstow MP said her new clause four would aim to 'ensure that people can live a life of freedom equally alongside us as our fellow human beings' and that 'disabled people in our communities can meet their living expenses'. Here is a full list of Labour MPs who voted against the Bill at third reading: Diane Abbott (Hackney North and Stoke Newington), Rosena Allin-Khan (Tooting), Paula Barker (Liverpool Wavertree), Lee Barron (Corby and East Northamptonshire), Lorraine Beavers (Blackpool North and Fleetwood), Olivia Blake (Sheffield Hallam), Chris Bloore (Redditch), Jonathan Brash (Hartlepool), Richard Burgon (Leeds East), Maureen Burke (Glasgow North East), Dawn Butler (Brent East), Ian Byrne (Liverpool West Derby), Irene Campbell (North Ayrshire and Arran), Stella Creasy (Walthamstow), Marsha De Cordova (Battersea), Peter Dowd (Bootle), Neil Duncan-Jordan (Poole), Cat Eccles (Stourbridge), Mary Kelly Foy (City of Durham), Barry Gardiner (Brent West), Tracy Gilbert (Edinburgh North and Leith), Mary Glindon (Newcastle upon Tyne East and Wallsend), Chris Hinchliff (North East Hertfordshire), Alison Hume (Scarborough and Whitby), Imran Hussain (Bradford East), Kim Johnson (Liverpool Riverside), Ian Lavery (Blyth and Ashington), Brian Leishman (Alloa and Grangemouth), Emma Lewell (South Shields), Clive Lewis (Norwich South), Rebecca Long Bailey (Salford), Rachael Maskell (York Central), Andy McDonald (Middlesbrough and Thornaby East), Navendu Mishra (Stockport), Abtisam Mohamed (Sheffield Central), Grahame Morris (Easington), Margaret Mullane (Dagenham and Rainham), Simon Opher (Stroud), Kate Osborne (Jarrow and Gateshead East), Bell Ribeiro-Addy (Clapham and Brixton Hill), Marie Rimmer (St Helens South and Whiston), Euan Stainbank (Falkirk), Graham Stringer (Blackley and Middleton South), Jon Trickett (Normanton and Hemsworth), Derek Twigg (Widnes and Halewood), Nadia Whittome (Nottingham East), Mohammad Yasin (Bedford).

Rhyl Journal
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Rhyl Journal
Who are the 47 Labour MPs who rebelled in the welfare reforms vote?
Mother of the House Diane Abbott, former minister Dawn Butler, and former shadow minister Andy McDonald were among the 47 Labour MPs who voted against the welfare Bill at third reading. The reforms passed with MPs voting 336 votes to 242, majority 94. The Government had watered down its welfare plans last week by removing the personal independence payment (Pip) part of the Bill in a bid to appease angry backbenchers. Despite this, a number of Labour MPs remained unhappy with the now-called Universal Credit Bill. Speaking in the Commons, Neil Duncan-Jordan, the Poole MP, said the Government's earlier concessions were not enough 'because this Bill still contains a proposal to cut £2 billion from the universal credit health element for over 750,000 future claims'. Nadia Whittome, MP for Nottingham East, said 'these changes do not alleviate all of my concerns', adding: 'One in three disabled people are already in poverty. 'This Bill, even after the Government's amendment, would take around £3,000 a year from the disabled people of the future.' Kim Johnson argued the Bill 'remains a danger to disabled people', adding: 'It's not just a bad policy, it's economically reckless, because when you take away essential support you don't reduce costs, you shift those costs on to the NHS, on to local authorities and on to unpaid carers and on to working class communities.' The Liverpool Riverside MP said she 'will not stand by while this Government has stripped away dignity, security and hope for the people I represent'. Mr McDonald described the situation as a 'shambles', adding: 'Now is the moment to stop the cuts, and I implore the Government to rethink this Bill.' The Middlesbrough and Thornaby East MP said the welfare Bill would 'discourage' people from taking an opportunity to try and work. 'A Government that claims to care about fairness cannot proceed like this,' he added. Alison Hume, MP for Scarborough and Whitby, also urged the Government to 'pull this Bill', adding: 'Let's get it right for the people who really matter. Let's get it right for disabled people.' Cat Eccles, who spoke of her own experience of the system after she 'almost lost my life, followed by a total mental breakdown', also criticised the legislation. The Stourbridge MP said: 'I didn't come here to make people worse off, and that's why I still cannot support this Bill.' Stella Creasy tabled an amendment which would have required the Secretary of State to have due regard to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The Walthamstow MP said her new clause four would aim to 'ensure that people can live a life of freedom equally alongside us as our fellow human beings' and that 'disabled people in our communities can meet their living expenses'. Here is a full list of Labour MPs who voted against the Bill at third reading: Diane Abbott (Hackney North and Stoke Newington), Rosena Allin-Khan (Tooting), Paula Barker (Liverpool Wavertree), Lee Barron (Corby and East Northamptonshire), Lorraine Beavers (Blackpool North and Fleetwood), Olivia Blake (Sheffield Hallam), Chris Bloore (Redditch), Jonathan Brash (Hartlepool), Richard Burgon (Leeds East), Maureen Burke (Glasgow North East), Dawn Butler (Brent East), Ian Byrne (Liverpool West Derby), Irene Campbell (North Ayrshire and Arran), Stella Creasy (Walthamstow), Marsha De Cordova (Battersea), Peter Dowd (Bootle), Neil Duncan-Jordan (Poole), Cat Eccles (Stourbridge), Mary Kelly Foy (City of Durham), Barry Gardiner (Brent West), Tracy Gilbert (Edinburgh North and Leith), Mary Glindon (Newcastle upon Tyne East and Wallsend), Chris Hinchliff (North East Hertfordshire), Alison Hume (Scarborough and Whitby), Imran Hussain (Bradford East), Kim Johnson (Liverpool Riverside), Ian Lavery (Blyth and Ashington), Brian Leishman (Alloa and Grangemouth), Emma Lewell (South Shields), Clive Lewis (Norwich South), Rebecca Long Bailey (Salford), Rachael Maskell (York Central), Andy McDonald (Middlesbrough and Thornaby East), Navendu Mishra (Stockport), Abtisam Mohamed (Sheffield Central), Grahame Morris (Easington), Margaret Mullane (Dagenham and Rainham), Simon Opher (Stroud), Kate Osborne (Jarrow and Gateshead East), Bell Ribeiro-Addy (Clapham and Brixton Hill), Marie Rimmer (St Helens South and Whiston), Euan Stainbank (Falkirk), Graham Stringer (Blackley and Middleton South), Jon Trickett (Normanton and Hemsworth), Derek Twigg (Widnes and Halewood), Nadia Whittome (Nottingham East), Mohammad Yasin (Bedford).