Enforcing the rights and freedoms of disabled people: the role of transnational law (Part I)

This two-part article examines the role of transnational law in the assertion of rights and freedoms by people with disabilities. By transnational law we refer to law derived from sources that transcend national frontiers. For the purpose of our analysis, we divide transnational law into two categories: global international law (GIL), and European international law (EIL). GIL is derived essentially from the work of the United Nations and its subsidiary organizations; EIL is derived from the work of the European Union, and the Council of Europe. Part I addresses the impact of GIL; Part II, the impact of EIL. Although the articles are self-contained, Part I begins with some general introductory remarks that inform both Parts, as do the concluding remarks contained in Part II