This communication expresses the support of the European Commission "for a United Nations (UN) legally binding instrument to protect and promote the rights and dignity of persons with disability". It notes that respect for equality and non-discrimination should be a cornerstone of such an instrument and goes on to observe that the focus on equality is fully in line with the EU's rights-based approach to disability. The communication proposes that the Commission prepare a recommendation to the Council in order to authorize the Commission to negotiate in the context of forthcoming sessions of the UN AdHoc Committee and to conduct these negotiations on behalf of the European Community. The communication refers to the discussions within the United Nations on the adoption of such an instrument and provides an overview of the rights-based approach to disability, both within the EU framework and internationally.