UN commends the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

UN Resident Coordinator Dr. Sabine Machl said that along with the adoption of the new Law on Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2020, the ratification of the Optional Protocol demonstrates Georgia’s efforts to align national policies and regulatory frameworks with the UN CRPD. It is a commitment to take another step towards creating a barrier-free and inclusive society.

The ratification of the Optional Protocol enables the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to consider complaints of violations of rights under the Convention, which is an important way to advance, strengthen and protect the human rights of Persons with Disabilities in Georgia. Moreover, the ratification will complement and strengthen existing domestic mechanisms designed to promote the rights of Persons with Disabilities, strengthen Georgia’s role within the international community and illustrate its commitment to constructive engagement with the UN human rights system. Last but not least, it will contribute to enhancement of public awareness and understanding of the rights of Persons with Disabilities.

The UN Country Team in Georgia stands ready to support the Government and Parliament of Georgia in translating commitments into tangible results and remains strongly committed to assist Georgia in building an inclusive society in which all citizens can exercise their human rights.

General Information

• The United Nations (UN) Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (the Convention) is an international human rights instrument that requires State Parties to the Convention to promote, protect and ensure the rights of Persons with Disabilities. Georgia ratified the Convention in 2014.
• The Optional Protocol establishes two procedures. The first is a complaint procedure that allows individuals and groups to take complaints to the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in the case of an alleged violation of their rights under the Convention. The second is an inquiry procedure that allows the Committee to inquire into allegations of grave or systematic violations of the Convention by a State Party.
• The UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is a body of independent experts that monitors the implementation of the Convention by States Parties.
• By November 2020, 182 States had ratified the Convention with 96 States Parties to the Optional Protocol to the Convention.

For more information please visit: https://www.ohchr.org/en/hrbodies/crpd/pages/crpdindex.aspx