The National Assembly of People with Disabilities of Ukraine took part in the 31st session of the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (Eng)

From August 12 to September 5, 2024, the 31st session of the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities was held in Geneva. The Ukrainian civil society delegation, which included representatives of the National Assembly of Persons with Disabilities of Ukraine (NAPD), Ukrainian Society of the Deaf, Ukrainian Society of the Blind, Fight For Right, and League of the Strong, presented to the Committee the latest information on the situation of the rights of persons with disabilities in Ukraine during the war.

"Our main goal is to inform the international community about the real situation of people with disabilities during the war. We strive to ensure that their voices are heard at the global and national levels and to contribute to recommendations that will help improve the living conditions and protect the rights of this vulnerable category of Ukrainian citizens," said the Secretary General of the NDPA. Viktoriia Nazarenko.

The report was based on the standards of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and covered the period after the start of Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022. It reflects the situation of people with disabilities, their challenges and needs in this difficult time. The document also emphasizes the importance of an inclusive approach in the development of policies and programs affecting people with disabilities and calls for the active involvement of these people in decision-making.

During the closed briefing, the Ukrainian delegation discussed with the Committee members key issues, including systematic violations of the rights of persons with disabilities in the context of war. Particular attention was paid to the difficulties faced by persons with disabilities during evacuation, access to medical care, humanitarian support and social services, as well as difficulties in education and employment. Special emphasis was placed on violations of the rights of women and girls with disabilities, who remain particularly vulnerable in the context of armed conflict.

Based on the results of the session, the Committee is expected to provide Concluding Observations to the State party on the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

The results of the meeting are available on the official website of the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (in English).

The activities were carried out within the framework of the project "Crisis in Ukraine: Disability-inclusive response and recovery led and coordinated by organizations of persons with disabilities (Phase 2)", implemented by the NAPD with the support of the European Disability Forum (EDF) and the Christian Blind Mission (CBM).

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The National Assembly of People with Disabilities of Ukraine participated in the 31st session of the UN Committee on the Rights of People with Disabilities

Between August 12 and September 5, 2024, the 31st session of the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities was held in Geneva. The Ukrainian delegation of civil society, comprised of representatives from the National Assembly of People with Disabilities of Ukraine (NAPD), the Ukrainian Society of the Deaf, the Ukrainian Society of the Blind, "Fight For Right", and "League of the Strong", presented the Committee with the most recent information regarding the rights situation of persons with disabilities in Ukraine during the conflict.

Our primary objective is to convey to the international community the real situation of people with disabilities faced during the war. We strive to ensure that their voice is heard at both the global and state levels, and to contribute to the formulation of recommendations that will enhance the living conditions and safeguard the rights of this vulnerable group of Ukrainian citizens, stated NAPD General Secretary Viktoriya Nazarenko.

Based on the guidelines laid out in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the report covered the period following the full-scale Russian incursion in February 2022. It reflects the situation people with disabilities find themselves in, their challenges and needs in this difficult time. The document additionally emphasizes the significance of an inclusive approach in the formulation of policies and programs pertaining to individuals with disabilities, and advocates for their active participation in the decision-making process.

During the closed briefing, the Ukrainian delegation discussed crucial issues with the members of the Committee, including systematic violations of the rights of people with disabilities during wartime conditions. Particular attention was given to the difficulties faced by people with disabilities during evacuation, including ensuring access to medical care, humanitarian support, and social services, as well as difficulties in the field of education and employment. The rights of women and girls with disabilities, who remain particularly vulnerable in the context of a military conflict, were separately emphasized.

It is anticipated that the Committee will provide Final Comments to the participating country regarding the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, based on the outcomes of the session.

The results of the meeting can be found on the official website of the Committee on the Rights of People with Disabilities (in English).

The activity was executed within the framework of the project "Crisis in Ukraine: Response and Recovery taking into account the needs of individuals with disabilities under the leadership and coordination of organizations of people with disabilities (2nd phase)," which is being implemented by NAIU with the assistance of the European Disability Forum (EDF) and the Christian Missions of the Blind (CBM).