Book review: human rights and disability advocacy edited by Maya Sabatello and Marianne Schulz

The United Nations adoption of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) constituted a paradigm shift in attitudes and approaches to disability rights, marking the first time in law-making history that persons with disabilities participated as civil society representatives and contributed to the drafting of an international treaty. This book sets out vivid and personal accounts of the paths to victory, including stumbling blocks – not all of which were overcome – and aims to offer a unique look into the politics of civil society organizations both from within and in its interaction with governments. This is a hugely enlightening collection that gives behind-the-scenes glimpses into the political wrangling and fast-paced, high-stakes moments of critical negotiation, writes Kate Donald.