Alþingi, the Icelandic parliament, unanimously approved a parliamentary resolution last night to ratify The UN’s Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, according to a press release. The resolution was presented by Minister for Foreign Affairs Lilja Alfreðsdóttir.
Iceland signed the agreement nine years ago. Its purpose is to protect the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities. MPs welcomed the validation of the agreement and spoke of it as an important moment.
Lilja commented, “This is a major milestone in the fight for the rights of people with disabilities.” The ratification makes it possible to launch projects regarding awareness, training and education. Reports will have to be sent to the UN, so that any progress can be monitored. Authorities will be in charge of developing and implementing rights listed in the agreement.
Laws will have to be adjusted to conform to the agreement, such as laws regarding services for people with disabilities and social services provided by municipalities.
