Action Alert: Support Disability Rights Globally
Dear Friend,
I write you today as the executive director of the Bazelon
Center for Mental Health Law, a member of the board of
directors for Mental Disability Rights International (MDRI) and
a concerned global citizen.
I need your help to send a loud, clear message to U.S.
lawmakers that the rights of people with disabilities matter
not only in this country, but also in the rest of the world.
The U.S. now appears ready to shirk its obligation to
international disability rights by failing to support the
United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with
Disabilities. To date, no one with a disability has represented the
U.S. in meetings on the Convention.
While people with disabilities-and particularly people with
mental disabilities-still face great challenges in America, our
country has a responsibility as a world leader to combat the
rampant abuse and discrimination
against people with
disabilities that persist elsewhere in the world by supporting
the Convention. The U.S. must also ensure that Americans with
disabilities can take their rightful place at the table in
discussions on global disability rights.
Take action now. Visit
MDRI's website.
Timing is critical-the
next meeting of the United Nation's Ad
Hoc Committee starts on May 24th.
Thank you for taking action on this important issue. Your
efforts will underscore the importance of disability rights in
the U.S. and abroad.
Sincerely,
Robert Bernstein, Ph.D.
Executive Director
Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law
4/30/04
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