We are honored to have a special guest on this episode of ADA Live! - Luis Gallegos, J.D., the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Permanent Representative of Ecuador to the United Nations in New York, will discuss a global perspective on disability human rights. Peter Blanck, Ph.D., J.D.,University Professor & Chairman of the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University, will interview Ambassador Gallegos about disability human rights as reflected in the United Nations (UN) Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (“CRPD”) and the Convention’s Conference of States Parties (“COSP”) to the CRPD.

The CRPD is an important human rights treaty, asserting that people with disabilities should have equality around the globe. When adopted in 2006, the CRPD was signed by the highest number of countries in the history of UN Conventions. It adopts a broad view of persons with disabilities and reaffirms that all persons with disabilities must enjoy all human rights and fundamental freedoms. It clarifies and qualifies how all human rights apply to persons with disabilities. The CRPD also identifies areas where adaptations have to be made for persons with disabilities to effectively exercise their rights, areas where their rights have been violated, and areas where protection of rights must be reinforced. Matters in regard to implementation of the CRPD are considered in the COSP.

Ambassador Gallegos serves as Chair of the COSP. He has a crucial and unique worldview, which he will share and what he believes are the successes, challenges, and opportunities for people with disabilities moving forward.