An international treaty to improve the rights and freedoms of disabled people has been agreed at the UN.

The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is expected to benefit as many as 650 million people if it is ratified by countries worldwide.

It is expected to be considered by the UN General Assembly later this year. 

The convention, which would take effect in 2008 or 2009, would require nations ratifying it to adopt laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of any form of disability, from blindness to mental illness.

Nations also would have to eliminate any discriminatory laws.

It would oblige governments to fight stereotypes and prejudices and promote awareness of the capabilities of people with disabilities and their contribution to society.

It would protect disabled newborns' right to life, and ensure that children with disabilities are not separated from their parents against their will.

Negotiators said most of the major disputes had been resolved.