Public presentation of candidates to the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

On 31 March 2026, the Geneva Human Rights Hub (GHRH), in partnership with the International Disability Alliance (IDA) and the GQUAL Campaign, organised a public presentation of candidates to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD Committee).

Held online, the event took place in the context of the upcoming elections to the CRPD Committee on 9 June 2026. It aimed to enhance transparency in the election process and to provide a platform for candidates to present their qualifications, experience, and priorities to States, civil society, and other stakeholders.

The event was structured in three segments, combining general questions, questions related to the work of the Committee and a live Q&A session.

General questions

1. Kindly introduce yourself and share your motivation for applying to become a member of the CRPD Committee.
2. The Convention requires Committee members to serve in their personal capacity and to be independent.
   Could you indicate whether you currently hold, or have previously held, any position with or on behalf of your Government, and explain how you ensure independence and impartiality?
3. Was the process leading to your nomination transparent and participatory?
   For example, were civil society, academia, or national human rights institutions involved?
4. Article 34(4) highlights the importance of balanced gender representation and diversity, including the participation of persons with disabilities.
   Why is this diversity important for the Committee’s work, and how does your own profile contribute to these requirements?

Questions related to the work of the Committee

1. As you know, the main function of the CRPD Committee is to undertake reviews of States reports on CRPD implementation and adopt Concluding Observations with recommendations. A big number of State reviews have shown limited understanding of the human rights model of disability and specific CRPD standards as well as limited advancements in CRPD implementation by States. In your opinion, what are the main obstacles and challenges ahead for a better CRPD understanding and implementation by States? If elected, how would your expertise and competencies contribute to combat and overcome those obstacles?  
2. As you know, the CRPD Committee has developed substantive standards and guidance on many diverse articles of the Convention throughout its different functions. If elected, and given the current development and implementation of CRPD standards, which topic or topics you believe should be further addressed and developed by the Committee? Please explain the rationale of your suggestion. 

Q&A session

1. Criteria for membership of the Committee requires equitable geographical representation. Different regions might present specific issues of concern for the rights of persons with disabilities. In this sense,  which specific issues of concern in your region you think deserve more attention and have not been fully developed by the Committee’s work? Please explain.
2. How would you ensure that the implementation of the CRPD meaningfully addresses the disproportionate impacts of climate change on persons with disabilities, particularly disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation?