UN investigators begin taking evidence in UK on ‘rights violations’
A team of United Nations investigators has this week begun a two-week visit to the UK as part of an inquiry into allegations of systematic and grave violations of disabled peoples human rights.
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They are due to meet parliamentarians, disabled peoples organisations, civil servants, representatives of local authorities, academics and senior figures from the Equality and Human Rights Commission.
They will also hear direct evidence from scores of individuals about the impact of government austerity measures, including former users of the Independent Living Fund (ILF), whistleblowers and disabled activists.
Among the issues being raised are believed to be the governments decision to close ILF; cuts to legal aid; benefit cuts and sanctions, including the impact of the discredited work capability assessment; the severe shortage of accessible, affordable housing; the impact of the bedroom tax on disabled people; cuts to social care; and the rise in disability hate crime.
http://www.disabilitynewsservice.com/un-investigators-begin-taking-evidence-in-uk-on-rights-violations/
The article also reports that "the UK appeared to have become the first country to face a high-level inquiry by the UNs committee on the rights of persons with disabilities (CRPD)"
UK FIRST!