For World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) 2023, the Down Syndrome International network is campaigning for the right to legal capacity, supported decision-making and easy-to-understand communication.
This video explains, in simple terms, what legal capacity is and the importance of supported decision-making:
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD) says that people with disabilities have the right to:
“Enjoy legal capacity on an equal basis with others in all aspects of life” and should have access to “the support they may require in exercising their legal capacity.”
Legal capacity means that the law recognises you as a person with rights. It means that everyone can make decisions about important things in their lives.
Legal capacity is needed for other rights, such as:
But many people with Down syndrome around the world are denied legal capacity. Legal arrangements like guardianship stop people from making their own decisions. Or people don’t have proper support to make decisions for themselves.
All governments must make sure that:
We have produced an easy-to-understand guide to the campaign which you can read here:
legal capacity and supported decision-making guide
Easy-to-understand communication is communication that is accessible and in easy-to-understand language.
Using easy-to-understand communication means more people can understand and take part.
We have written an introduction to easy-to-understand communication to explain this in more details:
INTRODUCTION
In December 2022, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution promoting and mainstreaming easy-to-understand communication for accessibility for persons with disabilities.
You can read a plain-language version of the resolution here:
Plain-language resolution
For World Down Syndrome Day 2023, self-advocates with Down syndrome and intellectual disabilities from around the world will gather in Geneva to discuss the resolution and speak up for their right to easy-to-understand communication.
Find out more and watch the event live:
WDSD Geneva 2023
We asked our team of Ambassadors questions about legal capacity and supported decision-making:
Show your support for our WDSD campaign by sharing your message on social media using #WithUsNotForUs
Join us on WDSD (21 March 2023) when we will be live from the United Nations in New York, discussing the right to legal capacity, supported decision-making and easy-to-understand communication.
People with Down syndrome and disabilities, supporters and advocates, government and UN officials and NGO representatives will be sharing knowledge, experience and good practice from countries around the world.
Find out more:
WDSD Conference
We need your help to speak up for the rights, inclusion and well-being of people with Down syndrome.
Join our World Down Syndrome Advocate team to learn how you can support us:
SIGN UP - ADVOCATE
In the run-up to WDSD, we will be sharing information about the current situation in countries around the world.
Read about the current situation in Mexico Read more
Read about the current situation in France. Read more
Read about the current situation in Australia. Read more
Read about the current situation in the United Kingdom. Read more
Read about the current situation in Italy. Read more
Read about the current situation in Tanzania. Read more
Read about the current situation in Nigeria Read more
Read about the current situation in Tajikistan Read more
Read about the current situation in Mauritius Read more
Read about the current situation in Indonesia Read more
Read about the current situation in South Africa Read more
Read about the current situation in Libya. Read more
Read about the current situation in Nepal. Read more
Read about the current situation in Guatemala. Read more
Read about the current situation in Madagascar. Read more
Read about the current situation in Myanmar. Read more
Read about the current situation in Japan. Read more
Read about the current situation in India Read more
Read about the current situation in Pakistan. Read more
Read about the current situation in Sri Lanka Read more
Read about the current situation in Honduras Read more
Read about the current situation in Malta Read more
Read about the current situation in the Netherlands Read more