Training on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Related to Disability in Quebec

Disability Rights Promotion International – Canada (D.R.P.I. Canada) held a one-day workshop on November 10th, 2009, about how the implementation of economic, social and cultural rights, affects the daily lives of people with disabilities. This event, held in Québec City, was made possible by the collaboration of the Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration (C.I.R.R.I.S.), L’Institut de Réadaptation en Déficience Physique de Québec (I.R.D.P.Q.), and Regroupement des personnes des organisations de handicapées de la région 03 (ROP 03) and with the financial support of Canadian Heritage.

The keynote speaker, Marc Bilocq from the Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse du Québec (Québec Human Rights Commission) spoke about the Charte québécoise des droits et libertés de la personne (Québec Code) and its role in fighting discrimination against people with disabilities. The remainder of the day was devoted to the presentation of economic, social and cultural rights. Participants were given information about the underlying human rights principles: dignity, autonomy, nondiscrimination and equality, participation, inclusion and accessibility, and respect for difference. Throughout the day, participants highlighted the existing gap between their formal economic, social and cultural rights and the accomplishment of their ordinary activities in the community.

The workshop ended with a discussion around monitoring mechanisms that should be put in place for the acknowledgement of human rights violations, as well as the kinds of instruments that have been developed by D.R.P.I. Canada. Everyone agreed that every person with or without disabilities belongs to humankind and is a holder of rights, and that the full exercise of their human rights cannot be obtained without a social struggle for the recognition of equality rights.

View photos of the training here.