United Nations New York - The third conference of States Parties on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities opened, under the theme; "Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities through the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities", and began with the election of members of the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and included discussions and interactive sessions.

In accordance with the CRPD, the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is now expanding from twelve to eighteen members. Each candidate for the committee was presented by a country that is a State Party to the Convention.

The gathering at the United Nations for the CRPD not only brings new committee members and ratifications, but also sparks a new era of strengthened partnerships between the States, NGOs (Non Governmental Organizations), civil society and media.

This empowering mission of the CRPD aims to promote and engender ability, inclusion and empathy, not only for the rights of people with disabilities, but for those of all people of the world.

ABILITY was present at the CRPD's main sessions, as well as at some of the side events. One event, hosted by Human Rights Watch, featured an inclusive discussion on the rights of women with disabilities, with case studies in India, Argentina and Uganda. The discussion opened the door of the integration of women's rights—more specifically, the rights of women with disabilities—and covered subjects including advocacy, accountability, human rights violations, discrimination, emotional trauma and social economic issues. Participants spoke about the urgent need to create awareness within the media about these topics.

Making it Work (MIW), a presentation organized by Handicap International, delved into the need for exchange of good practices towards effective CRPD implementation and lessons. Featured MIW projects ranged from West Africa to Latin American to the Middle East, each with the goal of increasing participation of people with disabilities in society. The effort works in concert with NGOs such as RIADIS—a network of disability organizations in 19 countries throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.

ABILITY Awareness' ABILITY Corps, an NGO to the United Nations and sponsored by ABILITY Magazine, was present and shared its knowledge of engaging volunteers with disabilities in community service around the world. The organization works with NGOs on how best to integrate new volunteers through community outreach and by increases awareness about the skills and talents of people with disabilities.

The conference also featured a proactive look by Chile at natural disaster preparedness. Delegates for the region spoke on the subject of assistance for people with disabilities and of the goal of ratification for children with disabilities in the near future.

Third conference of States Parties on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities - United Nations New York

Other articles on the Convention: Brazil on the CRPD - United States signed the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

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