One year later
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© European Union 2011 PE-EP
Information being interpreted into sign language during a debate in the European Parliament, December 2011
23rd January 2012 marks the first anniversary of the entry into force of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD) at EU level. On this occasion, CBM EU Liaison Office looks back to what has been achieved since the historic entry came into force; we also take this opportunity to look to the future.
Setting up the institutional arrangements
The UN CRPD is the first human rights convention ratified by the EU. Consequently, the design of its implementation - including the reporting and monitoring mechanisms - had to be put in place. This is a highly complex matter, as many parties need to be involved/and new systems need to be established. Those systems must meet the high standards regarding independence, transparency and participation of persons with disabilities, as set by the CRPD.
After one year of CRPD at EU level, it is highest time to reach an agreement on those implementing procedures and mechanisms so that the concrete implementation can get off the ground.
Good initiatives in the area of development cooperation
In the context of the implementation of Article 32 of the CRPD (International Cooperation) the EU has started a number of positive initiatives in 2011.
For example, a consultation on a new Guidance Note on disability for EU Delegations has been launched. This consultation did not only include voices from the EU institutions, but also reached out to civil society organisations active in the field of disability and development. This preparatory work will culminate in a new Guidance Note in 2012, an essential document, as it will provide tools how to include the rights of persons with Disabilities at country level.
Moreover, the EU intends to strengthen the capacities of its staff on disability and development issues. To achieve this, a training with relevant staff from the EU Delegations and from the headquarters is foreseen in 2012.
Also, during the 4th session of the Conference of State Parties the EU provided an update on the steps taken by the European Union for the implementation of the Convention and referred to the European Disability Strategy 2010-2020 and its eight areas, including one on external action. This sharing of information on good practices is also an essential element of the EU's international development cooperation.
These are only three examples that underline the EU's commitment to make progress towards truly inclusive development cooperation. On the occasion of the first anniversary of the entry into force of the CRPD, CBM's EU Advocacy Manager, Lars Bosselmann said: "We also wish to see the EU playing a leadership role in promoting inclusive development in its dialogues with partner countries and in international development and human rights fora."
For more information, please contact Lars Bosselmann
For more information, please contact Lars Bosselmann
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- Tel: +32 (0) 2 256 9001
