80 Countries Sign UN Treaty On Rights Of Disabled

(epa) March 31, 2007 -- Some 80 countries have signed a United Nations treaty aimed at protecting the rights of the world's 650 million disabled people.

Jamaica has announced that it has already ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities -- meaning 19 more countries must now ratify the treaty before it can come into force.

The treaty requires countries to adopt laws prohibiting all discrimination against persons with physical and mental disabilities.

(compiled from agency reports)