Title
RESOLUTION ENDORSING THE CONVENTION ON RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
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WHEREAS, Historically, discrimination against persons with disabilities has resulted in barriers to employment, housing, transportation, education, communication, recreation, and access to public services; and
WHEREAS, Discrimination and prejudiced attitudes have cause persons with disabilities to often live segregated and isolated lives, deprived of equal opportunities; and
WHEREAS, On December 13, 2006, the United Nations General Assembly adopted by consensus a landmark treaty, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; and
WHEREAS, The purpose of the Convention is “to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities, and to promote respect for their inherent dignity;” and
WHEREAS, The Convention was the most rapidly negotiated human rights treaty in the history of international law; and is the first human rights treaty of the 21st century; and
WHEREAS, The principles of the Convention include the full and effective participation and inclusion in society by persons with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, The United States has been a leader in the civil rights protections of people with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, In the 2000 Census, 6,159 Orland Park residents, approximately 12.8% of the population, reported having a disability; and
NOW, THEREFOR, BE IT RESOLVED, That the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of Orland Park do hereby support this Convention, endorse equal opportunity and fairness, and will continue to be responsive to and inclusive of people with disabilities; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be provided to the United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon, and the Deputy Permanent United States Representative to the United Nations, Alejandro D. Wolff, as a sign of our commitment to this important issue and to urge ratification of the Convention by the United States.