NationStates Jolt Archive

I have renewed the Disability Accord Proposal with one change. Several people were complaining about the emergency help thing in the toilets so I have got rid of that and added that their should room for a carer etc. here it is and don't forget to approve it Regional Delegates!

United Nations:

GIVEN that many people internationally are somehow physically disabled and use equiptment such as wheelchairs and crutches.

GIVEN that these disabled people still wish to have the opportunity to be involved in clubs, schools, groups and to go to public buildings unhindered.

RECOGNISING and supporting United Nations Resolution #99, the "Discriminations Accord".

RECOGNISING United Nations Resolution #26, the "Universal Bill of Rights".

UPSET by the fact that many public buildings do not have the appropriate access to all areas of property for disabled persons which non-disabled people have access to.

CALLS upon the United Nations to recognise that this is discrimination against disabled people and must be stopped.

SUBMITS that all public buildings, shops, restaurants, bars, shopping malls, churches and buildings which have the possibility of being used by disabled people have the appropriate access onto and off the premises including onto lower and higher floors and levels.

Also, any of the formentioned places must have toilet facilities, which can be used by disabled persons at any time. These facilities to be large enough for another person such as a carer or assistant.

FINALLY, any of the formentioned which do not have the above proposals may have one year to install them and if they are not installed or have not began to be installed then they shall be fined and repeat offenders shall have their business or organisations closed down.

Make sure that disabled people are not discriminated and enact this proposal.

I like this resolution, but the actions are not what I'd like to see to support it.

Specifically, the toilet thing is just way to detailed. Think of a shopping strip. Your resolution says *all* the shops there *must* have toilets for disabled. It doesn't even take into account whether that's possible with the building, and it also goes for buildings which currently do not have toilets. Also, I very much doubt whether the UN should be talking about toilets.

It is much better to say: (changes italicised)
AFFIRMS the right of disabled people not to be discriminated against, and to be given the same possibilities to function in society as non-disabled people as much as possible,

URGES member nations to oblige all public buildings, shops, restaurants, bars, shopping malls, churches and otherbuildings which have the possibility of being used by disabled people, to have the appropriate access onto and off the premises including onto lower and higher floors and levels for disabled people,

REQUESTS from all nations to stimulate facilities for disabled people such as toilets, sports facilities, as well as accessible internet sites,

RECOMMENDS member nations to create appropriate laws to be able to correct and/or punish individuals, businesses or organisations not complying with the above rules within reasonable time to make adjustments.

I'd make it only applicable to buildings being built or built after the proposal is passed (assuming it is); as it would lead to the destruction of many historic buildings otherwise.

There should be some form of grandfather clause that expempts older buildings from these requirements.

New buildings should be subject, unless there is some extenuating circumstance.