A/67/227 93. In 1999, the Organization of American States adopted the Inter-American Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities. It is the only human rights treaty that defines the term disability and the phrase “discrimination against persons with disabilities”. Its goals include full integration of and the furthering of justice for the disabled through legislation, social initiatives and education for the disabled and for others regarding acceptance of persons with disabilities. Furthermore, it calls on States to work on a priority basis, including on prevention of all forms of preventable disabilities and early detection and intervention, treatment and rehabilitation for persons with disabilities. 59 IV. Conclusion 94. Ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and other international law instruments is widespread. However, it has been difficult to assess effective implementation of those instruments with regard to preventing and responding to violence against women with disabilities. 95. Most States lack a specific and comprehensive law, policy or programme on persons with disabilities in general or on women with disabilities in particular. States that have a disability law do not specifically address the rights of women with disabilities in general, or violence specifically. States may also have a specific law on violence against women that generally provides remedies for all women, within a non-discriminatory framework. Unfortunately, such laws are not effectively implemented in respect of women with disabilities. 96. Very few States have established dedicated institutional mechanisms, programmes or strategies such as national committees or councils on women and disabilities, although some have developed strategies based on the research conducted on violence against women with disabilities. 97. At the non-governmental organization level, there are dedicated organizations or coalitions that conduct research and provide services and training. Innovative use of the Internet has also led to the development of interactive websites where readers share information and experiences. V. Recommendations 98. The Special Rapporteur recommends the following measures: (a) States should ensure an empowerment perspective, as opposed to a vulnerability perspective, and must apply a social model of disability, as opposed to a medical or charity model, within prevention and response work on violence against women with disabilities; __________________ 59 22 Inter-American Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities, resolution 1608 (XXIX-099). 12-45120