Reeve in disability treaty plea

The actor has regained some feeling

Superman star Christopher Reeve has called on the international community to adopt a treaty on rights for people with disabilities.

Presenting Ecuador with the Franklin Delano Roosevelt international disability award, the paralysed actor said 10% of the world's population was being excluded from their societies.

Reeve has regained feeling and even some movement in his arms and legs and recently criticised President George Bush and the Catholic Church for hindering stem cell research.

Reeve has been a steadfast campaigner

In the ceremony at the UN on Thursday, the star said he was "in awe" of the South American country's achievements on behalf of its disabled population.

Since his injuries in a riding accident seven years ago, Reeve has been a steadfact campaigner on disabled issues.

The award was also co-presented to Ecuador's President Gustavo Noboa by Anna Eleanor Roosevelt, granddaughter of the former US president after whom the prize is named.

'Difficult situation'

Reeve, dressed in a tan suit and white dress shirt, said he wished Ecuador's cash prize could have been much larger.

"I wish it could be 50 times that amount or more because you deserve it, but I hope that you understand this token is in recognition of how grateful we are that, even in the most difficult situation the world has ever faced...you are still working so hard to include our minority, members of the disability community in your society."

Reeve - who was given a rousing standing ovation by diplomats - then called on UN members to adopt a convention on disabled rights.

"The convention on the rights of people with disabilities would do so much to make sure that 10% of the world population that is so much in need is included in society as it should be, so I hope that convention will be adopted."