UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
last updated June 3, 2013
 
The UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is the UN body that monitors State compliance with and enforces the International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.[1] The Committee consists of 18 independent experts. The Committee currently carries out its mandate through the reporting/monitoring process, consideration of individual complaints, and inquiry into grave or systematic violations.
 
States that have ratified the Convention are required to submit an initial report documenting compliance with the provisions of the treaty within two years of accepting the Convention, and thereafter to submit a periodic report every four years. The Committee currently convenes twice a year (February and October) in Geneva, Switzerland, to examine government reports and engage delegates from the State party in constructive dialogue. The purpose of the session is to assess the State’s fulfillment of its obligations under the Convention and determine how the State might address issues of primary concern. A list of issues is transmitted to the State party for its response prior to the session, and forms the basis of discussion. At the conclusion of the session, the Committee prepares concluding observations, which may include recommendations for measures to be taken to improve the situation for women in that particular country.  The recommendations of the Committee may have persuasive value, but are not legally binding. The Universal Human Rights Index Database provides country-specific human rights information, including concluding observations by topic.
 
The Committee welcomes the participation of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in the monitoring process and encourages NGOs to submit “shadow” or alternative country reports in advance of the sessions to inform the Committee members of issues of principal concern and assist the Committee in formulating conclusions and recommendations for State parties. NGOs may also orally present specific concerns to the Committee in public meetings or informal meetings during the session. NGOs may also participate in many of the Committee’s proceedings as observers. 
 
While many issues of violence against women may come under the purview of the Convention, trafficking, sexual exploitation, and sexual violence against persons with disabilities are commonly addressed by the Committee.
 
In addition to the reporting mechanism, the Optional Protocol[2] to the Convention allows the Committee to hear individual complaints of human rights violations committed by State parties to the Optional Protocol.[3] NGOs may assist in the development of complaints or submit complaints on behalf of victims with their consent. Additionally, the Committee, upon receiving reliable information and with State party consent, may conduct an inquiry into grave or systematic violations of the Convention.
 

[1] Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, adopted by General Assembly resolution 61/106, 13 Dec. 2006, entry into force 3 May 2008.
[2] Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, adopted by General Assembly resolution 61/106, 13 Dec. 2006, entry into force 3 May 2008.