The CRPD Committee made major progress on political participation, humanitarian risk, violence, and intersectional discrimination at the 35th session

The CRPD Committee has just adopted five important documents that provide concrete guidance to States Parties to the CRPD and other stakeholders, significantly advancing international human rights standards for persons with disabilities.

General comments Nos. 9 & 10 on Article 11 of the CRPD, is a long-awaited advance in the protection and safety of persons with disabilities in situations of risk and humanitarian emergencies. At a time of escalating armed conflicts, climate-related disasters and humanitarian crises, the General Comment strengthens international standards and makes one principle unmistakable: persons with disabilities are rights-holders whose representative organisations must participate meaningfully in preparedness, decision-making, response and recovery, as well as in accountability and justice for violations of their rights during conflict and other situations of risk. We call on all States Parties, as well as humanitarian, development and peacebuilding actors, to fully implement the General Comment.

This means a deep reflection on how included persons with disabilities and OPDs alike are considered as part of the systems, structures, and processes across the peace continuum and in all situations of risk and emergency, including climate action and justice efforts. It means embedding accessibility, non-discrimination, and authentic OPD participation across laws, policies, budgets, coordination mechanisms, and operational practice before, during, and after crises. It means persons with disabilities leading the way in rebuilding peaceful, inclusive, stable and prosperous societies. To help turn these standards into action, IDA will publish a practical toolkit for organisations of persons with disabilities through our Knowledge Center. We will also shortly launch an online training course through the IDA Online Academy, equipping OPDs and their allies to understand, use and monitor the implementation of Article 11.

With the progressive development and crystallisation of human rights standards, implementation must now follow – urgently, consistently and with persons with disabilities and their representative organisations leading the way. We welcome also the adoption of General Comment on article 29 of the CRPD (participation in political and public life) and the increased emphasis on resources and support for organisations of persons with disabilities. The Guidelines on identifying and addressing intersectional discrimination against girls, adolescents, women and older women with disabilities, supplementing General Comment No.3 on Article 6 is also a much needed articulation of a detailed response to what can only be described as a crisis of intersectional discrimination based on disability, gender and other factors faced by women with disabilities in all their diversity. Finally, the Guidelines on disability-based violence is the most advanced and detailed definition and articulation of the response required to eliminate violence faced by persons with disabilities, including in the areas of institutionalization and medical practice. IDA is proud to have engaged with and supported these important processes.  We know that adoption is only the beginning, and we will work actively to ensure implementation and impact for all persons with disabilities around the world.

IDA Media

Contact: media@ida-secretariat.org

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