About the Convention

United Nations LogoThe UN General Assembly established an Ad Hoc Committee in 2001 to negotiate a new Convention for the rights of people with disabilities. The first meeting was in August 2002, and drafting of the text began in May 2004.

In August 2006, the Committee reached agreement on the text. Delegates to the Ad Hoc Committee represented Non-Government Organisations (NGOs), Governments, national human rights institutes and international organizations.

It was the first time that NGOs had actively participated in the formulation of a human rights instrument such as the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).

Buildings need exit and emergency signs to identify parts of the accessible means of egress. An Accessible Exit Sign Project Initiative.