Advancing Political Participation: Accessible Parliaments as Drivers of Disability Inclusion

About the event

This side event will explore how parliaments can advance the full and effective political participation and representation of persons with disabilities, in line with Article 29 of the CRPD and the COSP19 sub-theme on enhancing accessible civic engagement, leadership and advocacy in political and public life. While many States have strengthened legal frameworks, significant structural, procedural, and attitudinal barriers persist, limiting representation in parliamentary institutions.

The event is organized by the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Moldova to the United Nations, in co-operation with the Permanent Missions of Montenegro, Armenia and Ukraine to the United Nations, the European Parliament, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), and the Ukrainian NGONGO
non-governmental organization “Fight for Rights”. The broad partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening disability-inclusive democratic institutions and advancing the political participation of persons with disabilities across the OSCE region and beyond.

Focus of the event

The event will feature perspectives from parliamentarians, organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) and international organizations on what it takes for parliaments to move from discussing disability inclusion to genuinely enabling the political participation and representation of persons with disabilities. ODIHR's will present the comprehensive methodology for disability inclusion assessments of parliaments and share practical lessons from its application in Montenegro.

Objectives

The event aims to bring together parliamentarians, Permanent Missions, organizations of persons with disabilities, and international experts to exchange experiences and promote dialogue on concrete reforms. By fostering knowledge-sharing and collaboration, it seeks to support States in building more representative, accessible, and accountable democratic institutions, contributing to the next phase of CRPD implementation.

Participants

The event is intended for members of national parliaments and parliamentary staff, Permanent Missions of Member States to the United Nations, organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs), international organizations. electoral authorities, equality bodies, academics, researchers and civil society representatives.  

Contact

For further information, please contact Dinara Dildabekova at dinara.dildabekova@odihr.pl or Lisa Jacobsen at lisa.jacobsen@odihr.pl.