Public Presentation of Candidates to the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

On 9 June 2026, during the 19th session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in New York, States parties will elect nine members of the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) for the 2027–2030 term. Members of the Committee are elected by States parties from among their nationals but serve in their personal capacity. In accordance with Article 34 of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, they must be persons of high moral standing with recognized competence and experience in the field covered by the Convention. Consideration should also be given to equitable geographical distribution, the representation of different forms of civilization and principal legal systems, balanced gender representation, and the participation of experts with disabilities. 

Nine current members of the Committee will complete their mandates on December 31st 2026, making the upcoming elections an important opportunity to address gaps in the Committee’s composition. In this context, the Geneva Human Rights Hub, together with the GQUAL Campaign and the International Disability Alliance, is organizing an online public presentation of candidates. The event will provide an opportunity for nominated candidates to introduce themselves, present their priorities, and respond to questions from participants, contributing to transparency in the election process and supporting informed decision-making by States parties and other stakeholders.

Disclaimer

The Geneva Human Rights Hub, the GQUAL Campaign and the International Disability Alliance do not take a position in support of, or against, any individual candidate in the CRPD Committee elections. The initiatives undertaken aim to facilitate access to information and encourage States parties to take decisions based on the criteria established in the Convention and relevant UN guidelines.