This declaration requires states to protect the existence and identities of minorities. It also calls upon states to encourage the promotion of national or ethnic, cultural, religious and linguistic identities. Under Article 2(1) of this declaration, minorities shall have the right to practice their religion, enjoy their culture and use their own language in both public and private settings without any kind of discrimination.

This instrument is a major outcome of the International Year of Disabled Persons (1981). One of its key themes is the promotion of full participation of disabled people in society. The document addresses disability prevention, rehabilitation and equalization of opportunities for disabled people. It was adopted by General Assembly resolution 37/52.

Among the major outcomes of the Decade of Disabled Persons was the adoption by the United Nations General Assembly of the Standard Rules in 1993. Although not a legally binding instrument, the Standard Rules represent a strong moral and political commitment by governments to take action to attain equalization of opportunities for persons with disabilities.

These rules cover areas such as medical care, rehabilitation, support services and education and are aimed to promote the integration of disabled people in society. The Rules also emphasize the duties of the state regarding preconditions for equal participation, which include the responsibilities of public authorities, media and the private sector. It was adopted by General Assembly resolution 48/96 of 20 December 1993.

These principles lay down provisions to promote the rights of mentally disabled persons in health care. There are specific provisions on informed consent, confidentiality, standard of care and treatment and the rights available to inmates of mental disability institutions. Principle 1(4) prohibits discrimination on the ground of mental disability. It was adopted by General Assembly resolution 46/119 of 17 December 1991.

This declaration guarantees rights respecting the dignity of the mentally disabled, including the right not to be exploited and abused, the right to economic security, the right to a decent standard of living and the right to proper medical care and therapy. It was adopted by General Assembly resolution 2856 (XXVI) of 20 December 1971.

The Optional Protocol sets up a mechanism by which individuals can file complaints with the Human Rights Committee against states (which have ratified the optional protocol) for non-compliance with the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). Notably, the mechanism is available to all "individuals subject to the jurisdiction" of the State party rather than only citizens. It was adopted and opened for signature, ratification and accession by General Assembly resolution 2200A (XXI) of 16 December 1966.

This declaration guarantees that disabled persons are entitled to respect for their dignity and that they have civil and political rights as well as rights to economic and social security. Discriminating against disabled people on grounds or situations that apply to them or their families is prohibited. It was adopted by General Assembly resolution 3447 (XXX) of 9 December 1975.

Article 1 of this Convention defines discrimination in education to include acts or omissions that have the purpose or effect of nullifying or impairing equality of treatment in education, in particular, (a) the effect of depriving any person or group of persons of access to education of any type or at any level; (b) of limiting any person or group of persons to education of an inferior standard; (c) subject to the provisions of article 2 of this Convention, of establishing or maintaining separate educational systems or institutions for persons or groups of persons; or (d) of inflicting on

This convention lays down a framework for the activities of private employment agencies. Article 1 defines the type of legal or natural person who would fall within the definition of "private employment agency". Under Article 5, state parties to the Convention are required to "ensure that private employment agencies treat workers without discrimination on the basis of race, colour, sex, religion, political opinion, national extraction, social origin, or any other form of discrimination covered by national law and practice, such as age or disability".