Women with Disabilities Australia (WWDA)
WWDA Youth Network Position Statement 6 Justice

WWDA Youth Believe
Access to justice is one of the most important civil and political human rights.
Women and girls with disability have the right to be recognised as equal before the law.
Women and girls with disability have the right to legal capacity and to receive support and advice to make legal decisions. 
Accurate and easy to understand information must be made available so that women and girls with disability can give their informed consent.

The Facts
A large number of young people with disability are in detention and the youth justice system.
There are more women with disability in prisons than men with disability.
Women and girls with disability are often denied the right to make legal decisions. Instead, decisions are made for them by parents, courts, doctors and government officials.
Violence against women and girls with disability happens a lot in Australia. Many survivors do not get justice.
Access to justice is a human right.
What It Means
Justice
Justice is a legal word that means being treated justly or fairly. It also means that people who break the law, including seriously hurting someone else, should pay for their crimes.
Informed Consent
To give your permission or agree for something to happen or be done, after you have been provided with information and support to understand the consequences of that decision.
Equality Before the Law
Being offered the same rights and protection as everyone else in the legal system.
Human Rights
Rights to freedom, dignity and fairness that all people have, no matter their race, ethnicity, nationality, age, sex, gender, sexuality, disability or political beliefs. Human rights are protected by international law.

Learn More
Human Rights and Justice
Human rights are protected under international law. These rights are described in documents called conventions or treaties. Countries such as Australia can agree to be bound by these laws.
Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC)
The CRC describes and protects the human rights of children and young people. Check out the “For Youth” page to learn more about your rights: 
www.unicef.org/rightsite/433.htm 
Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)
The CRPD describes and protects the rights of all people with disability. You can find an easy to understand version of the convention at:
www.unicef.org/publications/index_43893.html 
LAWSTUFF - Know your rights
Lawstuff is a website dedicated to providing legal information to children and young people in Australia. Check it out at:
www.lawstuff.org.au 
Women with Disabilities Australia (WWDA) Human Rights Toolkit
WWDA has created a toolkit for women and girls with disability to learn about their human rights and demand their rights.
www.wwda.org.au/papers/toolkit 

Help & Support
In an Emergency
If you or another person is in immediate danger, Call 000 (Triple Zero)
eheadspace
The eheadspace online and telephone service supports young people and their families going through a tough time. Visit: https://www.eheadspace.org.au/ 
Kids Helpline
If you need to talk about anything, you can call, email, or have an online chat with Kids Helpline. Visit www.kidshelpline.com.au or call 1800 55 1800
1800 RESPECT
Support if you have or are currently experiencing sexual, domestic or family violence. Visit www.1800respect.org.au or call 1800 737 732
Disability Advocacy Services
A disability advocate can help you to access support around your human rights. To find an advocate near you, visit: http://finder.dss.gov.au/disability/ndap/ 
Get Involved
United Nations Youth Association Australia (UNYA)
UN Youth Australia is a national youth-led organisation that aims to educate and empower young Australians on global issues. Visit: www.unyouth.org.au 
Women with Disabilities Australia (WWDA)
WWDA represents more than 2 million disabled women and girls in Australia. We are run by and for women with disabilities. We operate as a transnational human rights and systemic advocacy organisation. www.wwda.org.au
WWDA Youth Network
WWDA Youth Network aims to empower young women and girls with disabilities to become strong, confident, proud and educated on their rights and options. Follow us and get involved at:
Web		http://youth.wwda.org.au
Facebook	http://www.facebook.com/WWDAYouth 
Twitter		http://www.twitter.com/WWDA_Youth
YouTube		http://goo.gl/BqDQ47 
Instagram	http://www.instagram.com/WWDA_Youth 

Publishing Information
WWDA Youth Network, Position Statement 6: Justice, Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA): Hobart, Tasmania, 1st Edition, May 2017.
ISBN: 978-0-9876035-2-4
The development of this position statement was made possible through project funding from the Australian Government, Office for Women. WWDA thanks the women and girls with disability who contributed to the development of this statement. 
Prepared by Cashelle Dunn and Chris Brophy.
For further information, please access the full Human Rights Toolkit and comprehensive WWDA Position Statements available at, http://www.wwda.org.au/papers/toolkit 
© Women with Disabilities Australia (WWDA) 2017.