An article in the Guardian reports that the UK government is risking "systematic violation" of international human rights law in its treatment of disabled people, a group of national charities claim.{jcomments on}
Austerity measures and welfare reforms such as the bedroom tax mean the rights of disabled people to independent living, work, and social security have been undermined, causing significant hardship, say campaigners
A report published by Just Fair, a consortium of 80 national charities including Amnesty International, Save the Children, and Oxfam, says the UK is in clear breach of its legal obligations.
Support structures for many disabled people have disappeared or are under threat as local authorities cut social care budgets, while cuts to benefits will leave many disabled people without crucial help for daily living
Jane Campbell, a cross-bench peer who is disabled said: "It is both extremely worrying and deeply sad that the UK – for so long regarded as an international leader in protecting and promoting disabled people's rights – now risks sleepwalking towards the status of a systematic violator of these same rights."
The government vigorously denied the claim. Disability minister Mike Penning said: "It is simply not true to say we are breaching our legal obligations to disabled people.”
The report will be submitted to the United Nations, which is in the process of reviewing UK compliance with its obligations to the rights of disabled people.
Read the full story in the Guardian
