The report highlights gaps in government compliance with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disability (CRPD).
This Civil Society Report was compiled from consultations with people with disability and their representative and advocacy organisations, evidence from government and community initiated inquiries and various reports and submissions produced by Civil Society involved in the protection and promotion of human rights for people with disability.
One of the findings of the report is that people with disability in Australia do not have equal participation in the justice system. Participation in juries; accessibility and adaptability of court processes; access to affordable, independent legal services; and, fair treatment and access to disability support and rehabilitation within correctional facilities continue to allow discrimination on the grounds of disability.
Disproportionately high numbers of people with disability in the justice system highlight major failures in the justice system to divert and prevent custodial sentences and provide appropriate post custody supports and rehabilitation.
Major reforms are required with regard to how people with disability are treated within the justice system.
Redfern Legal Centre has a discrimination law practice and provides free, confidential legal advice,
The report will be considered by the United Nations in April 2013. For the full report of Disability Rights Now see http://www.disabilityrightsnow.org.au/node/15
