Australia was a foundation member. Member States are obliged under the Charter of the United Nations to promote universal respect for, and observance of human rights and freedoms. The unfair treatment of a person on the basis of prejudice or ignorance is unacceptable. Members of the United Nations, such as Australia, believe it is one of the things which cause wars. The disabled are particularly vulnerable and disadvantaged.
Language can be a powerful vehicle in the expression of prejudice and discrimination.
Persons with disabilities, like other oppressed groups, move to claim the power to define themselves, to develop their own identity, their own culture, their own pride. This movement toward self-identification can be seen in the growth of the disability rights and independent living movements, the evolving political sophistication and power of the disability interest groups, the changes in language we use to talk about people with disabilities, and the changes in public policies affecting people with disabilities. Affirmative Action for Women has been going strong for many years, but not yet established for disabled minorities. The Australian Legal Information Institute provides free internet access to Australian legal materials. The DDA allows for all appropriate rememdies, including damages.