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of obtaining information and in how to accommodate prisoners with disabilities or monitoring
facilities where people with disabilities receive services. Teacher training is required to ensure
that children with disabilities are not subjected to forms of punishment that constitute violence
and that they are protected against bullying and abuse by classmates.
exerCise 6.2: what rights to freedom from torture and Other forms
of Abuse does the CRPD Affirm?
Objective: To review and understand CRPD Articles 15 and 16
time: 30 minutes
materials: Chart paper and markers or blackboard and chalk
1. review:
Assign different parts of Articles 15 and 16 to small groups of participants (You may wish to
divide Article 16 into four parts). Ask them to work together to paraphrase their section in
common language and give some examples of how that right could be enjoyed and make a
difference for people with disabilities.
2. paraphrase/give examples:
Read each section of Articles 15 and 16 aloud and ask the assigned group to give its
paraphrase. Discuss the meaning of the section until everyone can agree on a paraphrase.
Write the final paraphrase of Articles 15 and 16 on chart paper and post. After each section
ask for examples of how that right could be enjoyed and make a difference for people with
disabilities.
3. discuss:
• How can Articles 15 and 16 of the CRPD be used to set national disability rights agendas
and formulate platforms of action for submission to political parties or government
decision-makers?
• How can these provisions be used to monitor conditions in prisons or institutions or other
settings where people with disabilities may be vulnerable to violence and abuse?
• How can these provisions be used to help advocate for violence prevention programs?
physiCal and mental integrity in prisOn settings
Human rights law guarantees the right of all people deprived of their liberty to be treated with
humanity and with respect for their inherent dignity. Article 10 of the international Covenant
on Civil and political rights (ICCPR) states that: “All persons deprived of their liberty shall
be treated with humanity and with respect for the inherent dignity of the human person.” 10 The
un human rights Committee, which monitors implementation of the ICCPR, has stressed
in general Comment 21 that prisoners should not be “subjected to any hardship or constraint
other than that resulting from the deprivation of their liberty.” 11 Little attention has been paid by
the human rights community to the right of prisoners with disabilities. Accommodations must be
provided for persons with disabilities while in prison to ensure respect for their human rights and
dignity.
10 See http://www.ohchr/org/english/law/ccpr.htm
11 See http://www1.umn.edu/humanrts/gencomm/hrcomm21.htm
part 2: the COnVentiOn On the rights Of persOns with disabilities
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