Disabilities

Research

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: Implementation in the Chinese Context

Principal Investigator: Kelley Loper
Project Period: 04/2017-09/2018
Funding Source: HKU Seed Funding for Basic Research

 China was one of the first states to sign (in 2006) and ratify (in 2008) the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), the most recent of the core UN human rights treaties. China submitted its state report to the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (the Committee), the expert monitoring body that oversees states parties implementation of their obligations under the Convention, in 2010 and the Committee reviewed the report in one of its earliest sessions in September 2012. Despite this apparent enthusiasm and support for the CRPD, China‟s record of implementation remains mixed. The government‟s initial state report, its discussion with the Committee during the first review process, and recent Chinese policies in the field of disability rights, suggest that Chinese policy may not fully comply with the Convention‟s provisions and the Committee‟s interpretations. This project will test the hypothesis that Chinese policies since ratification of the CRPD have not fully complied and continue to be influenced by the medical model of disability. It will consider China’s reaction to the CRPD and its implementation of its obligations.

Disability Rights Experiential Learning Programme 
Principal Investigator: Kelley Loper 
Project Period: 01/10/2015 – 31/12/2015 
Funding Source: Experiential Learning Fund – Gallant Ho Experiential Learning Centre

Disability Rights Portal 
Principal Investigator: Kelley Loper 
Project Period: 01/01/2014 – 31/05/2014 (extended) 
Funding Source: Open Society Institute

Equality Law and Inclusive Education for Disabled Students 
Principal Investigator: Kelley Loper 
Project Period: 
Funding Source: Henry Chan Inclusive Education Fund
This project considers the extent to which disability discrimination laws require or support the implementation of inclusive education programmes for disabled students. The study examines Hong Kong’s Disability Discrimination Ordinance, domestic  equality guarantees from other jurisdictions, and relevant international human rights standards. The research team is supervised by Kelley Loper and includes several student  researchers. The project aims to promote awareness of disability rights and equal  opportunities among Hong Kong students and assist policy makers in developing policies which promote inclusion in education. The results of the study were published and  reported at a forum in summer 2008.