The UN website Enable reports that the advocacy of disabilities rights organisations certainly contributed to the quick turnaround from the Convention opening for signature March 2007.

Fifteen countries we have links with via our member societies, associate members and corresponding organisations ratified the Convention. However, most of the countries with member societies in Europe and North America have not yet ratified the convention.

Many MSIF members are working to encourage their governments to do so.

The French society has met with government representatives and Joyce Nelson, the CEO of the US society (NMSS) has co-signed a letter to the US Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice to urge her to support the Convention. Other societies use their links with general disability organisations to advocate for ratification.

‘This is a real milestone, to which many in the MS movement have already contributed’ MSIF’s CEO, Peer Baneke, said. ‘However, the objective must be to reach near-universal ratification of the Convention. Only then will people affected by MS and many others reap the full benefit from the Convention. Our efforts must continue unabated’.

Visit the UN Enable site to read more about the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.