International Service for Human Rights

The new Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) started its inaugural session on 23 February 2009.  The twelve experts will meet for one week to hold initial discussions on procedural aspects of its work, and meet with States, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and national human rights institutions (NHRIs). During the week, the Committee  will elect its officers and consider its draft rules of procedure. Some members also suggested that the Committee  start drawing up reporting guidelines for further consideration at the October session. The first State reports are expected to be considered in 2010.

In the absence of the High Commissioner, the Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ms Kyung-wha Kang, addressed the Committee. She underscored the  importance she and the High Commissioner attach to this latest addition to the treaty body system. In view of the procedural focus of the current session, the Deputy High Commissioner highlighted the need for the Committee to consider the existing harmonise reporting guidelines and other decisions of the Inter-Committee Meeting of treaty bodies when developing its own working methods. Almost no States, no international organisations but a small number of NGO representatives were present at the opening of the session. The Committee is scheduled to meet with NGOs in a dedicated session on Thursday, 26 February 2009 at 10 a.m. and with States on Wednesday, 25 February at 10 a.m. The meetings take place in  Room VII of the Palais des Nations in Geneva.

Further information:

• Programme of work for the 1st session
• OHCHR Web site