What is Article 24 of the UN CRPD?
Article 24 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) recognises the right of persons with disabilities to education and requires states to ensure an inclusive education system at all levels. Children must not be excluded from the general education system on the basis of disability, must receive reasonable accommodation, and must get the support they need, including individualised support measures.
What this means in practice
The CRPD was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2006 and entered into force in 2008. Most countries have ratified it, including India, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the Philippines, Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana and South Africa. National laws such as India's RPwD Act 2016 were written to implement it.
What Article 24 requires
- An inclusive education system at all levels and lifelong learning.
- No exclusion from general education because of disability.
- Access to inclusive, quality, free primary and secondary education in one's own community.
- Reasonable accommodation of individual requirements.
- Support within the general education system.
- Learning of Braille, sign language and other communication; training of teachers, including teachers with disabilities.
General Comment No. 4
In 2016 the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities issued General Comment No. 4, explaining that inclusion means transforming culture, policy and practice, not simply placing children in mainstream classes.
Why teachers should know it
Article 24 is the international basis for inclusion duties in national laws. It explains why reasonable accommodation is a right, not a favour.
Practical next steps
- Read Article 24's main paragraphs.
- Find the national law that implements it in your country.
- Identify reasonable accommodations your school provides.
- Plan teacher training around inclusive practice.
What to keep in mind
Treaty obligations apply to states. Families and schools rely on national laws to enforce rights.
Common follow-up questions
When was the CRPD adopted?
In 2006; it entered into force in 2008.
What is reasonable accommodation?
Necessary and appropriate adjustments that do not impose a disproportionate burden, made so a person can exercise their rights.
Sources
- International Disability Alliance: CRPD Article 24 on inclusive education
- UNICEF: Inclusive education
Sources inform the explanation; examples are educational illustrations, not individual clinical advice. How these answers are prepared.