Independent living for adults with intellectual disabilities in post conflict countries. A comparative analysis of the implementation of Article 19 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Northern Ireland and Bosnia Herzegovina.

Abstract

This research examines the right to live independently and to participate in the community for persons with intellectual disabilities in post-conflict states. This right is provided for under Article 19 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The research focuses on the conflict states of Northern Ireland and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Independent living is recognized as a fundamental human right in service provision for persons with disabilities. The Independent Living Movement rejected the medical and patriarchal attitude towards persons with disabilities and promoted equality and inclusion. This ethos of inclusion in the community was enshrined in Article 19 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. This research examines international and domestic legislation and policies pertinent to independent living in Northern Ireland and Bosnia Herzegovina. Qualitative research with persons with intellectual disabilities in both jurisdictions was undertaken to address the gaps in knowledge on how persons with intellectual disabilities experienced the periods of conflict, peace process and UNCRPD ratification. Qualitative research with people working in the disability and human rights sectors will ascertain the impact of legislation and policies as well as the legal mechanisms, including litigation, which individuals and representative groups can utilize to realize their rights. This research identifies lessons to be learned by the international community in the creation of a society inclusive of persons with intellectual disabilities in the wake of conflict, with a particular focus on the right to live independently.