What is ableism?

The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities embraces differences between human beings and underlines the importance of embracing disability as part of human diversity. Persons with disabilities are recognized as rights-holders and their rights must be respected, protected and fulfilled, just like everyone else.

With these short video animations, the UN Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities aims to raise awareness on the barriers faced by people with disabilities to exercise rights. The series of four audio-visual pieces discuss and explain the notion of “ableism”, as well as how to protect the rights of people with disabilities to legal capacity, sexual and reproductive health, and participation in decision-making. They are intended for the general public, including persons with disabilities and their organizations, policymakers, human rights defenders, and educators.