Russian President Dmitry Medvedev signed the Federal Law on Ratification of UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the Kremlin press service said on Thursday.

As stated in reference to the document, the Convention aims to ensure the full participation of persons with disabilities in civil, political, economic, social and cultural life of society, the elimination of discrimination based on disability, the defense of disabled persons and the enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms, and as well the creation of effective legal mechanisms to ensure these rights.

“Ratification of the Convention will provide additional safeguards to ensure, protect and promote social and economic rights of the disabled, as well as serve as a benchmark for further improvement of legal regulation and practice in the field of social protection of disabled persons,” the document says.

In particular the UN Convention stipulates the rights of disabled women and children with disabilities, who are the most vulnerable and in need of social support.

The federal law, which was signed by the president, was approved by the State Duma on April 25 and the Federation Council on April 27, 2012.