Goal: Explain how international law supports the use of plain language.
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) is a powerful international agreement ratified by nearly all European countries. It calls for equal rights and full participation of people with disabilities, and it directly connects accessibility with communication.
Two articles stand out:
- Article 9 requires public authorities to remove barriers – physical and metaphorical – that prevent access to information.
- Article 21 guarantees the right to receive information in accessible formats.
The Convention doesn’t name “plain language” directly, but its meaning is clear: governments must provide information in ways that are understandable and usable by everyone, including those with cognitive disabilities, low literacy, or limited language proficiency.
This has real consequences. It means that dense legal texts, complicated forms, or confusing official websites can be a violation of rights. In response, many countries have started offering Easy-to-Read formats, simplified forms, and clearer signage in public spaces.
Plain language plays a key role in this shift. It’s a tool for inclusion, helping people access their rights, make informed choices, and participate fully in society. In this way, the CRPD has helped position plain language as more than good practice—it’s a question of human dignity and equality.
Sources
United Nations (2006). Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)