When I look back at that time, I realize that the negotiations were tough. Those of us in the disability community pressed for strong, precise language and strong monitoring mechanisms. Government delegates were more reluctant and cautious. They had instructions from their capitals telling them not to commit to anything that might cost more money or require governments to do more.
We had some advantages, though. Many government delegations included persons with disabilities and they worked on our behalf. Not being from governments, we could be blunt. And when we presented ideas that were sensible, it was difficult for government delegates to oppose them without seeming to be cruel.
The end result was a compromise. Many of the texts are not as clear as we would like. Many are left open for interpretation. The monitoring mechanism is nowhere near as strong as we wanted it to be. It was the best we could get at the time.
We always thought, however, that if the Rules did not work, we could return and argue for even stronger measures. That time has now come.
