Convention on the rights of persons with disabilities

Australia

17-07-2008

Australia recognizes that persons with disability enjoy legal capacity on an equal basis with others in all aspects of life. Australia declares its understanding that the Convention allows for fully supported or substituted decision-making arrangements, which provide for decisions to be made on behalf of a person, only where such arrangements are necessary, as a last resort and subject to safeguards;
Australia recognizes that every person with disability has a right to respect for his or her physical and mental integrity on an equal basis with others. Australia further declares its understanding that the Convention allows for compulsory assistance or treatment of persons, including measures taken for the treatment of mental disability, where such treatment is necessary, as a last resort and subject to safeguards;
Australia recognizes the rights of persons with disability to liberty of movement, to freedom to choose their residence and to a nationality, on an equal basis with others. Australia further declares its understanding that the Convention does not create a right for a person to enter or remain in a country of which he or she is not a national, nor impact on Australia’s health requirements for non-nationals seeking to enter or remain in Australia, where these requirements are based on legitimate, objective and reasonable criteria.

Azerbaijan

28-01-2009

The Republic of Azerbaijan declares that it is unable to guarantee the application of the provisions of the Convention in the territories occupied by the Republic of Armenia until these territories are liberated from occupation.

Belgium

30-03-2007

This signature is equally binding on the French community, the Flemish community, the German-speaking community, the Wallone region, the Flemisch region and the region of the capital-Brussels.

Bhutan

13-03-2024

The Kingdom of Bhutan does not consider itself bound by paragraph 1(a) and paragraph 2 of Article 18, paragraphs 1(b) and (c) of Article 23, paragraphs 1(c) of Article 27, and section (a) (ii) of Article 29 of the United Nations Convention on [the] Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Brunei

11-04-2016

The Government of Brunei Darussalam expresses its reservation regarding those provisions of the said Convention that may be contrary to the Constitution of Brunei Darussalam and to the beliefs and principles of Islam, the official religion of Brunei Darussalam.

Canada

11-03-2010

Canada recognises that persons with disabilities are presumed to have legal capacity on an equal basis with others in all aspects of their lives. Canada declares its understanding that Article 12 permits supported and substitute decision-making arrangements in appropriate circumstances and in accordance with the law.
To the extent Article 12 may be interpreted as requiring the elimination of all substitute decision-making arrangements, Canada reserves the right to continue their use in appropriate circumstances and subject to appropriate and effective safeguards. With respect to Article 12 (4), Canada reserves the right not to subject all such measures to regular review by an independent authority, where such measures are already subject to review or appeal.
Canada interprets Article 33 (2) as accommodating the situation of federal states where the implementation of the Convention will occur at more than one level of government and through a variety of mechanisms, including existing ones.

14-05-2014

The Permanent Mission of Canada to the United Nations presents its compliments to the Secretary-General of the United Nations and has the honour to refer to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and the Secretary-General's communication of 9 April 2014, numbered C.N.186.2014.TREATIES-IV.15, relating to that treaty.
The Permanent Mission of Canada notes that this communication was made pursuant to the Secretary General's capacity as Depositary for the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The Permanent Mission of Canada notes the technical and administrative role of the Depositary, and that it is for States Parties to a treaty, not the Depositary, to make their own determination with respect to any legal issues raised by instruments circulated by a depositary.
In that context, the Permanent Mission of Canada notes that 'Palestine' does not meet the criteria of a state under international law and is not recognized by Canada as a state. Therefore, in order to avoid confusion, the Permanent Mission of Canada wishes to note its position that in the context of the purported Palestinian accession to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, 'Palestine' is not able to accede to this convention, and that the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities does not enter into force, or have an effect on Canada's treaty relations, with respect to the 'State of Palestine'.

China

01-08-2008

The application of the provisions regarding liberty of movement and nationality of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, shall not change the validity of relevant laws on immigration control and nationality application of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China.

Cyprus

27-06-2011

Whereas the Persons with Disabilities Law, as this has been harmonized with the Council Directive 2000/78/EC of 27 November 2000 establishing a general framework for equal treatment in employment and occupation, prescribes in section 3A thereof that the said Law shall not apply as regards employment:
(a) to the armed forces, to the extent that the nature of the work requires special abilities which cannot be exercised by persons with disabilities, and
(b) to occupational activities where by reason of the nature or the context in which they are carried out, a characteristic or an ability which is not possessed by a person with a disability, constitutes a genuine and determining occupational requirement, provided that the objective is legitimate and the requirement is proportionate, taking into account the possibility of adopting reasonable measures,.
the Republic of Cyprus declares that it ratifies the Convention with a reservation in respect of Article 27(1) of the Convention, to the extent that the provisions thereof are in conflict with the provisions of section 3A of the Persons with Disabilities Law.

Egypt

04-04-2007

The Arab Republic of Egypt declares that its interpretation of article 12 of the International Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which deals with the recognition of persons with disabilities on an equal basis with others before the law, with regard to the concept of legal capacity dealt with in paragraph 2 of the said article, is that persons with disabilities enjoy the capacity to acquire rights and assume legal responsibility ("ahliyyat al-wujub) but not the capacity to perform ("ahliyyat al-'ada'), under Egyptian law.

El Salvador

14-12-2007

The Government of the Republic of El Salvador signs the present Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Optional Protocol thereto, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 13 December 2006, to the extent that its provisions do not prejudice or violate the provisions of any of the precepts, principles and norms enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of El Salvador, particularly in its enumeration of principles.

18-03-2015

Withdrawal of reservation made upon ratification

Estonia

30-05-2012

The Republic of Estonia interprets article 12 of the Convention as it does not forbid to restrict a person's active legal capacity, when such need arises from the person's ability to understand and direct his or her actions. In restricting the rights of the persons with restricted active legal capacity the Republic of Estonia acts according to its domestic laws.

EU (European Union)

23-12-2010

The European Community states that pursuant to Community law (notably Council Directive 2000/78/EC of 27 November 2000 establishing a general framework for equal treatment in employment and occupation), the Member States may, if appropriate, enter their own reservations to Article 27(1) of the Disabilities Convention to the extent that Article 3(4) of the said Council Directive provides them with the right to exclude non-discrimination on the grounds of disability with respect to employment in the armed forces from the scope of the Directive. Therefore, the Community states that it concludes the Convention without prejudice to the above right, conferred on its Member States by virtue of Community law.
Article 44(1) of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (hereinafter referred to as the 'Convention') provides that a regional integration organisation in its instrument of formal confirmation or accession is to declare the extent of its competence with respect to matters governed by the Convention.
The current members of the European Community are the Kingdom of Belgium, the Republic of Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, the Kingdom of Denmark, the Federal Republic of Germany, the Republic of Estonia, the Hellenic Republic, the Kingdom of Spain, the French Republic, Ireland, the Italian Republic, the Republic of Cyprus, the Republic of Latvia, the Republic of Lithuania, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, the Republic of Hungary, the Republic of Malta, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Republic of Austria, the Republic of Poland, the Portuguese Republic, Romania, the Republic of Slovenia, the Slovak Republic, the Republic of Finland, the Kingdom of Sweden and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
The European Community notes that for the purpose of the Convention, the term 'State Parties' applies to regional integration organisations within the limits of their competence.
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities shall apply, with regard to the competence of the European Community, to the territories in which the Treaty establishing the European Community is applied and under the conditions laid down in that Treaty, in particular Article 299 thereof.
Pursuant to Article 299, this Declaration is not applicable to the territories of the Member States in which the said Treaty does not apply and is without prejudice to such act or positions as may be adopted under the Convention by Member States concerned on behalf and in the interests of those territories.
In accordance with Article 44(1) of the Convention, this Declaration indicates the competences transferred to the Community by the Member States under the Treaty establishing the European Community, in the areas covered by the Convention.
The scope and the exercise of Community competence are, by their nature, subject to continuous development and the Community will complete or amend this Declaration, if necessary, in accordance with Article 44(1) of the Convention.
In some matters the European Community has exclusive competence and in other matters competence is shared between the European Community and the Member States. The Member States remain competent for all matters in respect of which no competence has been transferred to the European Community.
At present:
1. The Community has exclusive competence as regards the compatibility of state aid with the common market and the common custom tariff.
To the extent that provisions of Community law are affected by the provision of the Convention, the European Community has an exclusive competence to accept such obligations with respect to its own public administration. In this regard, the Community declares that it has power to deal with regulating the recruitment, conditions of service, remuneration, training etc. of non-elected officials under the Staff Regulations and the implementing rules to those Regulations. 1)
2. The Community shares competence with Member States as regards action to combat discrimination on the ground of disability, free movement of goods, persons, services and capital agriculture, transport by rail, road, sea and air transport, taxation, internal market, equal pay for male and female workers, Trans-European network policy and statistics.
The European Community has exclusive competence to enter into this Convention in respect of those matters only to the extent that provisions of the Convention or legal instruments adopted in implementation thereof affect common rules previously established by the European Community. When Community rules exist but are not affected, in particular in cases of Community provisions establishing only minimum standards, the Member States have competence, without prejudice to the competence of the European Community to act in this field. Otherwise competence rests with the Member States. A list of relevant acts adopted by the European Community appears in the Appendix hereto 2). The extent of the European Community's competence ensuing from these acts must be assessed by reference to the precise provisions of each measure, and in particular, the extent to which these provisions establish common rules.
3. The following EC policies may also be relevant to the UN Convention: Member States and the Community shall work towards developing a coordinated strategy for employment. The Community shall contribute to the development of quality of education by encouraging cooperation between Member States and, if necessary, by supporting and supplementing their action. The Community shall implement a vocational training policy which shall support and supplement the action of the Member States. In order to promote its overall harmonious development, the Community shall develop and pursue its actions leading to the strengthening of its economic and social cohesion. The Community conducts a development cooperation policy and economic, financial and technical cooperation with third countries without prejudice to the respective competences of the Member States.
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1) Council Regulation (EEC, Euratom, ECSC) No 259/68 of 29 February 1968 laying down the Staff Regulations of officials of the European Communities and the Conditions of Employment of other servants of the European Communities (OJ L 56, 4.3.1968, p. 1).
2) Depository Notification C.N. 860.2010.

France

18-02-2010

The French Republic declares that it will interpret the term "consent" in article 15 of the Convention in conformity with international instruments, in particular those that relate to human rights and biomedicine, and with national legislation, which is in line with these instruments. This means that, as far as biomedical research is concerned, the term "consent" applies to two different situations:
1. Consent given by a person who is able to consent, and
2. In the case of persons who are not able to give their consent, permission given by their representative or an authority or body provided for by law.
The French Republic considers it important that persons who are unable to give their free and informed consent receive specific protection, without prejudice to all medical research of benefit to them. In addition to the permission referred to under paragraph 2 above, other protective measures, such as those included in the above-mentioned international instruments, are considered to be part of this protection.
With regard to article 29 of the Convention, the exercise of the right to vote is a component of legal capacity that may not be restricted except in the conditions and in accordance with the modalities provided for in article 12 of the Convention.

Georgia

13-03-2014

Georgia interprets article 12 of the Convention in conjunction with respective provisions of other international human rights instruments and its domestic law and will therefore interpret its provisions in a way conferring the highest legal protection for safeguarding dignity, physical, psychological and emotional integrity of persons and ensuring integrity of their property.

Greece

31-05-2012

The provisions of Article 27 paragraph 1 of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities shall not apply with respect to employment and occupation in the armed and security forces in so far as it relates to a difference of treatment on grounds of disability concerning the service thereto, as provided in Article 8 paragraph 4 of the Law 3304/2005 for the implementation of the principle of equal treatment, adopted pursuant to Articles 3 paragraph 4 and 4 of the Council Directive 2000/78/EC of 27 November 2000 establishing a general framework for equal treatment in employment and occupation.

Guatemala

07-04-2009

In accordance with article 33 of the Convention and by Decree No. 78-2009, it has been agreed to designate the National Council for te care of Persons with Disabilties (CONADI) as the government agency responsible for addressing issues relating to compliance with and implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and for producing the reports required under that Convention.

Iran

23-10-2009

... with regard to Article 46, the Islamic Republic of Iran declares that it does not consider itself bound by any provisions of the Convention, which may be incompatible with its applicable rules.

Ireland

20-03-2018

Article 27 (1)
Ireland accepts the provisions of the Convention, subject to the understanding that none of its obligations relating to equal treatment in employment and occupation shall apply to the admission into or service in any of the Defence Forces, An Garda Síochána (Ireland’s National Police Service), the Prison Service, the Fire Brigade, the Irish Coastguard and the Ambulance Service.
Article 12
Ireland recognises that persons with disabilities enjoy legal capacity on an equal basis with others in all aspects of life. Ireland declares its understanding that the Convention permits supported and substitute decision-making arrangements which provide for decisions to be made on behalf of a person, where such arrangements are necessary, in accordance with the law, and subject to appropriate and effective safeguards.
To the extent article 12 may be interpreted as requiring the elimination of all substitute decision making arrangements, Ireland reserves the right to permit such arrangements in appropriate circumstances and subject to appropriate and effective safeguards.
Articles 12 and 14
Ireland recognises that all persons with disabilities enjoy the right to liberty and security of person, and a right to respect for physical and mental integrity on an equal basis with others. Furthermore, Ireland declares its understanding that the Convention allows for compulsory care or treatment of persons, including measures to treat mental disorders, when circumstances render treatment of this kind necessary as a last resort, and the treatment is subject to legal safeguards.

Israel

28-09-2012

The State of Israel expresses its reservation with regard to the provisions concerning marriage in Article 23 (1) (a) of the Convention, to the extent that the laws on personal status, which are binding on the various religious communities in Israel, do not conform with these provisions.

16-05-2014

The Permanent Mission of Israel to the United Nations presents its compliments to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, in his capacity as depositary to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and refers to the communication by the depositary, dated 9 April 2014, regarding the Palestinian request to accede to this Convention (Reference number CN.186.2014.TREATIESIV.15).
'Palestine' does not satisfy the criteria for statehood under international law and lacks the legal capacity to join the aforesaid convention both under general international law and the terms of bilateral Israeli-Palestinian agreements.
The Government of Israel does not recognize 'Palestine' as a State, and wishes to place on record, for the sake of clarity, its position that it does not consider 'Palestine' a party to the Convention and regards the Palestinian request for accession as being without legal validity and without effect upon Israel's treaty relations under the Convention.

Japan

20-01-2014

The Government of Japan declares that paragraph 4 of Article 23 of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities be interpreted not to apply to a case where a child is separated from his or her parents as a result of deportation in accordance with its immigration law.

Kuwait

22-08-2013

Subject to reservations concerning the provisions of article 18, subparagraph 1(a), and article 23, paragraph 2.
Article 12, paragraph 2: The enjoyment of legal capacity shall be subject to the conditions applicable under Kuwaiti law.
Article 19, paragraph (a): This paragraph shall not be interpreted to permit illicit relations outside legitimate marriage.
Article 25, paragraph (a): The care in question shall not imply recognition of illicit relations outside legitimate marriage.

Libya

13-02-2018

[…] the State of Libya, having reviewed the above-mentioned Convention, ratifies the Convention and interprets article 25 (a) thereof, concerning the provision of health-care services without discrimination on the basis of disability, in a manner that does not contravene the Islamic sharia and national legislation […]

Liechtenstein

18-12-2023

Declaration with regard to Article 24, paragraph 2 (a) and 2 (b)
The school system of the Principality of Liechtenstein is already strongly committed to inclusion and offers children with disabilities the opportunity to be educated in a regular school as well as in a special school. Basis for the decision are the best interest of the child, the individual needs as well as the preference stated by the parents. The Principality of Liechtenstein declares its understanding that its school system is in conformity with article 24, paragraph 2 (a) and 2 (b) of the convention.

Lithuania

18-08-2010

.... the Republic of Lithuania declares that the concept of "sexual and reproductive health" used in Article 25(a) of the Convention shall not be interpreted to establish new human rights and create relevant international commitments of the Republic of Lithuania. The legal content of this concept does not include support, encouragement or promotion of pregnancy termination, sterilization and medical procedures of persons with disabilities, able to cause discrimination on the grounds of genetic features.

Malaysia

19-07-2010

Malaysia acknowledges that the principles of non-discrimination and equality of opportunity as provided in articles 3 (b), 3 (e) and 5 (2) of the said Convention are vital in ensuring full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities, and to promote respect for their inherent dignity, which shall be applied and interpreted on the basis of disability and on equal basis with others. Malaysia declares that its application and interpretation of the Federal Constitution of Malaysia pertaining to the principles of non-discrimination and equality of opportunity shall not be treated as contravening articles 3 (b), 3 (e) and 5 (2) of the said Convention.
Malaysia recognizes the participation of persons with disabilities in cultural life, recreation and leisure as provided in article 30 of the said Convention and interprets that the recognition is a matter for national legislation.
The Government of Malaysia ratifies the said Convention subject to the reservation that it does not consider itself bound by articles 15 and 18 of the said Convention.

Malta

10-10-2012

[...] Pursuant to Article 25 of the Convention, Malta makes the following Interpretative Statement - Malta understands that the phrase "sexual and reproductive health" in Art 25 (a) of the Convention does not constitute recognition of any new international law obligation, does not create any abortion rights, and cannot be interpreted to constitute support, endorsement, or promotion of abortion. Malta further understands that the use of this phrase is intended exclusively to underline the point that where health services are provided, they are provided without discrimination on the basis of disability.
Malta's national legislation considers the termination of pregnancy through induced abortion as illegal.
[...] Pursuant to Article 29 (a) (i) and (iii) of the Convention, while the Government of Malta is fully committed to ensure the effective and full participation of persons with disabilities in political and public life, including the exercise of their right to vote by secret ballot in elections and referenda, and to stand for elections, Malta makes the following reservations:
With regard to (a) (i):
Malta reserves the right to continue to apply its current electoral legislation in so far as voting procedures, facilities and materials are concerned.
With regard to (a) (iii):
Malta reserves the right to continue to apply its current electoral legislation in so far as assistance in voting procedures is concerned.

Mauritius

25-09-2007

The Government of the Republic of Mauritius makes the following reservations in relation to Article 11 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities which pertains to situations of risk and humanitarian emergencies.
The Government of Mauritius signs the present Convention subject to the reservation that it does not consider itself bound to take measures specified in article 11 unless permitted by domestic legislation expressly providing for the taking of such measures.

08-01-2010

The Republic of Mauritius declares that it shall not for the time being take any of the measures provided for in Articles 9.2 (d) and (e) in view of their heavy financial implication.
With regard to Article 24.2 (b), the Republic of Mauritius has a policy of inclusive education which is being implemented incrementally alongside special education.

Mexico

17-12-2007

The Political Constitution of the United Mexican States, in its articIe 1, establishes that: "( ... ) any discrimination on the grounds of ethnic or national origin, gender, age, disability, social status, health, religion opinion, preference, civil status or any other form of discrimination that is an affront to human dignity and is intended to deny or undermine the rights and freedoms of persons is prohibited".
In ratifying this Convention, the United Mexican States reaffirms its commitment to promoting and protecting the rights of Mexicans who suffer any disability, whether they are within the national territory or abroad.
The Mexican State reiterates its firm commitment to creating conditions that allow all individuals to develop in a holistic manner and to exercise their rights and freedoms fully and without discrimination.
Accordingly, affirming its absolute determination to protect the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities, the United Mexican States interprets paragraph 2 of article 12 of the Convention to mean that in the case of conflict between that paragraph and national legislation, the provision that confers the greatest legal protection while safeguarding the dignity and ensuring the physical, psychological and emotional integrity of persons and protecting the integrity of their property shall apply, in strict accordance with the principle pro homine.

03-01-2012

Withdrawal of interpretative declaration.

Monaco

19-09-2017

(…), taking into account the specific geographical and demographic features of the Principality of Monaco, which only has a limited number of persons with disabilities having identified needs, implements individual measures benefitting each person with disabilities in order to allow that person to seek, receive and impart information in an accessible and suitable format depending on the administrative procedures being undertaken and with personalized support. These measures constitute the “appropriate measures” referred to in article 21 of the Convention.
(…) declares that implementation of the Convention must take into account the unique features of the Principality of Monaco, particularly the small size of its territory and the needs of its people.
(…) considers that articles 23 and 25 of the Convention must not be interpreted as recognizing an individual right to abortion except where expressly provided for under national law.
(…) considers that the purpose of the Convention is to eliminate all discrimination on the basis of disability and to ensure that persons with disabilities have full enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms on an equal basis with others, but that the Convention does not imply that persons with disabilities should be afforded rights superior to those afforded to persons without disabilities, especially in terms of employment, accommodation and nationality.

Netherlands, the Kingdom of the

14-06-2016

Article 10
The Kingdom of the Netherlands acknowledges that unborn human life is worthy of protection. The Kingdom of the Netherlands interprets the scope of Article 10, in line with the relevant case law of the European Court of Human Rights on this issue, to the effect that such protection - and thereby the term ‘human being’ - is a matter of national legislation.
Article 12
The Kingdom of the Netherlands recognizes that persons with disabilities enjoy legal capacity on an equal basis with others in all aspects of life. Furthermore, the Kingdom of the Netherlands declares its understanding that the Convention allows for supported and substitute decision-making arrangements in appropriate circumstances and in accordance with the law. The Kingdom of the Netherlands interprets Article 12 as restricting substitute decision-making arrangements to cases where such measures are necessary, as a last resort and subject to safeguards.
Article 14
The Kingdom of the Netherlands recognizes that all persons with disabilities enjoy the right to liberty and security of person, and a right to respect for physical and mental integrity on an equal basis with others. Furthermore, the Kingdom of the Netherlands declares its understanding that the Convention allows for compulsory care or treatment of persons, including measures to treat mental illnesses, when circumstances render treatment of this kind necessary as a last resort, and the treatment is subject to legal safeguards.
Article 15
The Kingdom of the Netherlands declares that it will interpret the term ‘consent’ in article 15 in conformity with international instruments and national legislation which is in line with these instruments. This means that, as far as biomedical research is concerned, the term ‘consent’ applies to two different situations:
1. Consent given by a person who is able to consent, and
2. In the case of persons who are not able to give their consent, permission given by their representative or an authority or body provided for by law.
The Kingdom of the Netherlands considers it important that persons who are unable to give their free and informed consent receive specific protection taking into consideration the importance of the development of medical science for the benefit of persons with a disability. In addition to the permission referred to under 2. above, other protective measures as included in international instruments are considered to be part of this protection.
Article 23
With regard to Article 23 paragraph 1(b), the Kingdom of the Netherlands declares that the best interests of the child shall be paramount.
Article 25
The Kingdom of the Netherlands interprets article 25 (a) to concern access to health care and the affordability of health care, and confirms that discrimination in such matters is not allowed. The Kingdom of the Netherlands considers it also important that health care professionals may determine which health care is provided based on medical grounds and its expected (in)effectiveness.
The individual autonomy of the person is an important principle laid down in Article 3 (a) of the Convention. The Kingdom of the Netherlands understands Article 25 (f) in the light of this autonomy. This provision is interpreted to mean that good care involves respecting a person's wishes with regard to medical treatment, food and fluids, and that a decision to withhold any of these can also be based on medical grounds.
Article 29
The Kingdom of the Netherlands is fully committed to ensure the effective and full exercise by persons with disabilities of their right and opportunity to vote by secret ballot. It recognizes the importance of persons with disabilities to have, where necessary, at their request, assistance in voting. To safeguard voting by secret ballot without intimidation, as provided for in article 29 (a) (ii), and to ensure the principle of one vote per person, the Kingdom of the Netherlands declares that it will interpret the term ‘assistance’ in article 29 (a) (iii) as assistance only to be effected outside the voting booth, except with regard to assistance required due to a physical disability, in which case assistance may also be permitted inside the voting booth.

New Zealand

25-09-2008

...consistent with the constitutional status of Tokelau and taking into account the commitment of the Government of New Zealand to the development of self-government for Tokelau through an act of self-determination under the Charter of the United Nations, this ratification shall not extend to Tokelau unless and until a Declaration to this effect is lodged by the Government of New Zealand with the Depositary on the basis of appropriate consultation with that territory.

Norway

03-06-2013

Article 12
Norway recognises that persons with disabilities enjoy legal capacity on an equal basis with others in all aspects of life. Norway also recognizes its obligations to take appropriate measures to provide access by persons with disabilities to the support they may require in exercising their legal capacity. Furthermore, Norway declares its understanding that the Convention allows for the withdrawal of legal capacity or support in exercising legal capacity, and/or compulsory guardianship, in cases where such measures are necessary, as a last resort and subject to safeguards.
Articles 14 and 25
Norway recognises that all persons with disabilities enjoy the right to liberty and security of person, and a right to respect for physical and mental integrity on an equal basis with others. Furthermore, Norway declares its understanding that the Convention allows for compulsory care or treatment of persons, including measures to treat mental illnesses, when circumstances render treatment of this kind necessary as a last resort, and the treatment is subject to legal safeguards.

Palestine

06-06-2014

The Permanent Observer of the State of Palestine to the United Nations presents his compliments to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, in his capacity as Depositary, and has the honor to refer to depositary notification C.N.299.2014.TREATIES-IV.15, dated 22 May 2014, conveying a communication of Israel regarding the accession of the State of Palestine to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, dated 13 December 2006.
The Government of the State of Palestine regrets the position of Israel, the occupying Power, and wishes to recall United Nations General Assembly resolution 67/19 of 29 November 2012 according Palestine 'non-member observer State status in the United Nations'. In this regard, Palestine is a State recognized by the United Nations General Assembly on behalf of the international community.
As a State Party to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which entered into force on 2 May 2014, the State of Palestine will exercise its rights and honor its obligations with respect to all States Parties. The State of Palestine trusts that its rights and obligations will be equally respected by its fellow States Parties.

06-06-2014

The Permanent Observer of the State of Palestine to the United Nations presents his compliments to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, in his capacity as Depositary, and has the honor to refer to depositary notification C.N.281.2014.TREATIES-IV.15, dated 22 May 2014, conveying a communication of Canada regarding the accession of the State of Palestine to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, dated 13 December 2006.
The Government of the State of Palestine regrets the position of Canada and wishes to recall United Nations General Assembly resolution 67/19 of 29 November 2012 according Palestine "non-member observer State status in the United Nations". In this regard, Palestine is a State recognized by the United Nations General Assembly on behalf of the international community.
As a State Party to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which entered into force on 2 May 2014, the State of Palestine will exercise its rights and honor its obligations with respect to all States Parties. The State of Palestine trusts that its rights and obligations will be equally respected by its fellow States Parties.

Poland

30-03-2007

The Republic of Poland understands that Articles 23. 1 (b) and 25 (a) shall not be interpreted in a way conferring an individual right to abortion or mandating state party to provide acces thereto.

25-09-2012

The Republic of Poland understands that Article 23.1 (b) and Article 25 (a) shall not be interpreted in a way conferring an individual right to abortion or mandating state party to provide access thereto, unless that right is guaranteed by the national law.
Article 23.1(a) of the Convention refers to the recognition of the right of all persons with disabilities who are of marriageable age to marry and to found a family on the basis of free and full consent of the intending spouses. By virtue of Article 46 of the Convention the Republic of Poland reserves the right not to apply Article 23.1(a) of the Convention until relevant domestic legislation is amended. Until the withdrawal of the reservation a disabled person whose disability results from a mental illness or mental disability and who is of marriageable age, can not get married without the court's approval based on the statement that the health or mental condition of that person does not jeopardize the marriage, nor the health of prospective children and on condition that such a person has not been fully incapacitated. These conditions result from Article 12 § 1 of the Polish Code on Family and Guardianship (Journal of Laws of the Republic of Poland of 1964, No. 9, item 59, with subsequent amendments).
The Republic of Poland declares that it will interpret Article 12 of the Convention in a way allowing the application of the incapacitation, in the circumstances and in the manner set forth in the domestic law, as a measure indicated in Article 12.4, when a person suffering from a mental illness, mental disability or other mental disorder is unable to control his or her conduct.

Republic of Korea, the

11-12-2008

(...) with a reservation on the provision regarding life insurance in the paragraph (e) of the Article 25.

[Reservation withdrawn 23-12-2021]

Singapore

18-07-2013

The Republic of Singapore's current legislative framework provides, as an appropriate and effective safeguard, oversight and supervision by competent, independent and impartial authorities or judicial bodies of measures relating to the exercise of legal capacity, upon applications made before them or which they initiate themselves in appropriate cases. The Republic of Singapore reserves the right to continue to apply its current legislative framework in lieu of the regular review referred to in Article 12, paragraph 4 of the Convention.
2. The Republic of Singapore recognises that persons with disabilities have the right to enjoyment of the highest attainable standards of health without discrimination on the basis of disability, with a reservation on the provision by private insurers of health insurance, and life insurance, other than national health insurance regulated by the Ministry of Health, Singapore, in Article 25, paragraph (e) of the Convention.
3. The Republic of Singapore is fully committed to ensuring the effective and full participation of persons with disabilities in political and public life, including through the protection of the exercise of their right to vote by secret ballot in elections and public referendums without intimidation. With respect to Article 29, subparagraph (a) (iii) of the Convention, the Republic of Singapore reserves the right to continue to apply its current electoral legislation which requires that assistance in voting procedures shall only be effected through a presiding officer who is appointed by the Returning Officer and has signed an oath to safeguard voting secrecy.

Slovakia

26-05-2010

In accordance with article 46 of the United Nations Convention on the rights of persons with disabilities and article 19 of the Vienna convention on the law of treaties:
The Slovak Republic shall apply the provisions of article 27(1)(a) on condition that the implementation of the prohibition of discrimination on the basis of disability in setting conditions of recruitment, hiring and employment shall not apply in the case of recruitment for service as a member of the armed forces, armed security forces, armed corps, the National Security Office, the Slovak Information Service and the Fire and Rescue Corps.

Suriname

29-03-2017

(…) the Government of the Republic of Suriname makes the following reservation/declaration in relation to articles 9 paragraph 2 (d) and (e); 19 paragraph b; 20 paragraph (a); 24 paragraph 2 (b) and 26 of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities that was adopted on 13 December 2006:
- the Government of the Republic of Suriname declares that it shall not for the time being take any of the measures provided for in Article 9 paragraph 2 (d) and (e) in view of their heavy financial implication;
- the Government of the Republic of Suriname declares that it ratifies the Convention with a reservation in respect of Article 19 paragraph (a) of the Convention, to the extent that the nature of the provisions in respect to the right of a place of residence thereof are stipulated in Article 71 of the Civil Code of the Republic of Suriname;
- the Government of the Republic of Suriname declares that it shall not for the time being take some of the measures in respect to Article 20 to the extent that Suriname is recently in an undue financial burden;
- the Government of the Republic of Suriname recognizes the right of persons with disabilities to education and determines to guarantee free primary education for every person.
Accordingly, it declares that it shall not for the time being guarantee the application of the provision 24 paragraph 2 (b) on the condition that the educational system is still far from inclusive education;
- the Government of Suriname recognizes the rights of persons with disabilities to attain and maintain maximum independence, full physical, mental, social and full inclusion and participation in all aspects of life, however declares that it shall not be able to take some of the measures provided in Article 26 at the earliest possible stage due to the non-existence of the production of mobility devices and/or limited access to the materials and equipment needed to produce mobility devices (…)

Syria

30-03-2007

Upon signature
Understanding:
Our signature of this Convention does not in any way, imply recognition of Israel or entry into relations with Israel, in any shape or form, in connection with the Convention.
We signed today on the basis of the understanding contained in the letter dated 5 December 2006 from the Permanent Representative of Iraq to the United Nations addressed, in his capacity as Chairman of the Group of Arab States for that month, to the Chairman of the Committee, which contains the interpretation of the Arab Group concerning article 12 relating to the interpretation of the concept of “legal capacity”.

Thailand

29-07-2008

The Kingdom of Thailand hereby declares that the applcation of Article 18 of the Convention shall be subject to the national laws, regulations and practices in Thailand.

05-02-2015

[…] the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand [does] hereby withdraw the interpretative declaration made with respect to Article 18 of the Convention.

United Kingdom

08-06-2009

Work and Employment - Convention Article 27 mainly
The United Kingdom accepts the provisions of the Convention, subject to the understanding that none of its obligations relating to equal treatment in employment and occupation, shall apply to the admission into or service in any of the naval, military or air forces of the Crown.
Education - Convention Article 24 Clause 2 (a) and 2 (b)
The United Kingdom reserves the right for disabled children to be educated outside their local community where more appropriate education provision is available elsewhere. Nevertheless, parents of disabled children have the same opportunity as other parents to state a preference for the school at which they wish their child to be educated.
Liberty of Movement
The United Kingdom reserves the right to apply such legislation, insofar as it relates to the entry into, stay in and departure from the United Kingdom of those who do not have the right under the law of the United Kingdom to enter and remain in the United Kingdom, as it may deem necessary from time to time.
Equal Recognition Before the Law - Convention Article 12.4
The United Kingdom's arrangements, whereby the Secretary of State may appoint a person to exercise rights in relation to social security claims and payments on behalf of an individual who is for the time being unable to act, are not at present subject to the safeguard of regular review, as required by Article 12.4 of the Convention and the UK reserves the right to apply those arrangements. The UK is therefore working towards a proportionate system of review.
Education - Convention Article 24 Clause 2 (a) and (b)
The United Kingdom Government is committed to continuing to develop an inclusive system where parents of disabled children have increasing access to mainstream schools and staff, which have the capacity to meet the needs of disabled children.
The General Education System in the United Kingdom includes mainstream, and special schools, which the UK Government understands is allowed under the Convention.

21-12-2011

Withdrawal of reservation under Article 12.4.

17-09-2024

… the Government of the United Kingdom hereby extends the application of its ratification of the [Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD)], with the reservations and interpretative declaration which currently apply for the United Kingdom, to the territory of Bermuda, for whose international relations the United Kingdom is responsible.
…
The Government of the United Kingdom considers the extension of the UNCRPD to Bermuda to take effect on the date of deposit of this notification...
In addition, the Government of the United Kingdom hereby notifies … that the following interpretative declaration and reservation for Article 12, relating to supported and substituted decision making, will apply to the territory of Bermuda only:
Bermuda recognises that persons with disabilities enjoy legal capacity on an equal basis with others in all aspects of life. Bermuda declares its understanding that the Convention permits supported and substitute decision-making arrangements which provide for decisions to be made on behalf of a person, where such arrangements are necessary, in accordance with the law, and subject to appropriate and effective safeguards.
To the extent article 12 may be interpreted as requiring the elimination of all substitute decision making arrangements, Bermuda reserves the right to permit such arrangements in appropriate circumstances and subject to appropriate and effective safeguards.

Uzbekistan

28-06-2021

The Republic of Uzbekistan recognizes that persons with disabilities enjoy legal capacity on an equal basis with others in all aspects of their life.
The Republic of Uzbekistan declares its understanding that the Convention allows for taking appropriate measures to ensure access of persons with disabilities to support and substitute decisionmaking arrangements, including restriction of the active legal capacity of persons with disabilities, in appropriate circumstances and in accordance with the law.
To the extent article 12 may be interpreted as requiring the elimination of substitute decisionmaking arrangements, the Republic of Uzbekistan reserves the right to continue their use for persons with disabilities in appropriate circumstances and subject to appropriate and effective safeguards.

Venezuela

24-09-2013

The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela reaffirms its absolute determination to guarantee the rights and protect the dignity of persons with disabilities. Accordingly, it declares that it interprets paragraph 2 of Article 12 of the Convention to mean that in the case of conflict between that paragraph and any provisions in Venezuelan legislation, the provisions that guarantee the greatest legal protection to persons with disabilities, while ensuring their well-being and integral development, without discrimination, shall apply.