National human rights institutions (NHRIs) from all four regions have shared their approaches and priorities for advancing the rights of persons with disabilities at a side event hosted by GANHRI during the 57^th session of the Human Rights Council.

With the 20^th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) approaching, representatives from the NHRIs of Australia, Canada, Ethiopia and Germany presented different initiatives they had taken on monitoring, reporting, advocacy, education and complaint handling.

Introducing the side event, GANHRI Chairperson Maryam Al-Attiyah noted that NHRIs play a crucial role in working with States and other stakeholders to achieve “the full promise of the Convention.”

“Whether by conducting investigations, engaging in advocacy or forging strategic partnerships, NHRIs work to dismantle the barriers that prevent the full participation and equality of persons with disabilities,” she said.

Representing the Australian Human Rights Commission, Rosemary Kayess noted that NHRIs are a critical pillar of a national human rights framework, holding governments accountable for their commitments under the CRPD and other international treaties, as well as supporting a constructive dialogue between governments and the CRPD Committee.

Article 33(2) of the CRPD requires States parties to establish an independent monitoring mechanism “to promote, protect and monitor implementation” of the Convention.

Ms Kayess explained that ‘A status’ NHRIs are well placed to take on this role, however, they must work in genuine partnership with organisations of persons with disabilities to be effective.

Rigbe Gebrehawaria, representing the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission, highlighted the NHRI’s work to respond to barriers identified through a disability inclusion audit; their research on accessible accommodation; and their monitoring of institutions including care centres and schools.

Ms Gebrehawaria noted the Commission conducts a wide range of public awareness activities, including as part of advocacy for national legislation on disability rights, and now publishes an annual report on the human rights situation of persons with disabilities and older persons.

Representing the Canadian Human Rights Commission, Carleen MacGuinty explained her institution seeks to integrate disability rights across its functions, including its engagement with all UN treaty bodies and special procedures.

The Commission, which has operated as Canada’s independent monitoring mechanism under the CRPD since 2019, has also developed a monitoring framework to track how well Canada is meeting its obligations on the right to adequate housing for persons with disabilities. The intention is that this framework will be adapted to monitor other sets of rights.

The German Institute for Human Rights, which also acts as its nation’s independent monitoring mechanism, seeks to mainstream disability rights into all areas of its operations and outreach, as well as ensure the participation of persons with disabilities and their organisations in its work. However, as Sören Zimmerman explained, securing adequate resources for the NHRI’s monitoring role, and to support civil society participation in its work, was an ongoing challenge.

At the international level, NHRIs play a pivotal role when they engage with the CRPD Committee and share information and reports, said Catherinne Pedreros from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). She noted that the contributions from NHRIs were vital to support the Committee’s inquiry procedure and general observations, among other aspects of its work.

The open discussion that followed focused on the role of independent monitoring mechanisms and the necessity that they be independent and effective, including by meeting the requirements set out in the Paris Principles and by involving persons with disabilities and their representative organisations.

“We believe that the role of NHRIs, appointed as independent monitoring mechanisms is key for the advancement of the rights of persons with disabilities,” Juan Ignacio Pérez Bellos, representing the International Disability Alliance, told the side event.

The discussion was moderated by H.E. Ambassador Maria de Lurdes Bessa, Permanent Representative of Timor-Leste to the United Nations and other international organizations in Geneva, with more than 100 participants attending in person and online.

Building Inclusive Societies: The role of national human rights institutions in promoting, protecting, and monitoring the rights of persons with disabilities was held on 23 September 2024 and co-sponsored by the Permanent Missions of Australia, New Zealand and Timor-Leste, the European Union, OHCHR and the International Disability Alliance.

Through the leadership of our Working Group and supported through the NHRI.EU project, GANHRI assists member NHRIs in their efforts to promote and protect the rights of persons with disabilities.