The Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities has published a new General Comment on Article 29 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
General Comment No. 11 clarifies the right of persons with disabilities to participate fully and effectively in political and public life on an equal basis with others. It emphasises that States Parties must remove legal, administrative, physical, communication and other barriers that restrict participation, including in relation to voting, standing for election, holding public office and engaging in public affairs.
In particular, it highlights the importance of accessibility, reasonable accommodation and support measures, as well as equal recognition before the law, to ensure that persons with disabilities can exercise political rights independently and without discrimination. Furthermore, it stresses the role of organisations of persons with disabilities in political and public life and the need to ensure their autonomy, meaningful participation and access to adequate and sustainable resources.
The full text of General Comment 8 is available at:
