Welcome to the United Nations
Note: The registration process below does not guarantee access by representatives of accredited non-governmental organizations to the upcoming Conference of State Parties. The Rules of Procedure of the Conference of State Parties are still provisional and need to be adopted by the Conference of State Parties on 31 October; therefore there is no legislative basis to enable participation representatives of accredited non-governmental organizations.
The first meeting of the Conference of States Parties of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities will be held on 31 October 2008 from 10am to 1pm; and on 3 November 2008, from 3pm to 6pm. at United Nations Headquarters in New York.
Attendance and Registration
Attendance to the Conference of States Parties may be open to representatives from accredited non-governmental organizations that were accredited to the Ad Hoc Committee on a Comprehensive and Integral International Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights and Dignity of Persons with Disabilities during its eight session; and those with consultative status with ECOSOC. Representatives of organizations that meet these criteria who wish to attend the Conference of States Parties are requested to kindly email the following information to enable@un.org prior to 22 October 2008 (the registration is now closed)
Full Name
Affiliated organization (must fulfill criteria stated above)
Email address
Accessibility requirements (hearing loops, wheelchair users, documents in alternative formats – specify type and language)
Kindly note that if your organization meets the criteria and you have successfully registered, you will receive a confirmation of receipt from the Secretariat by email. Kindly also note that a confirmation email does not guarantee attendance at the Conference of States Parties. On the morning of Friday 31 October 2008, representatives from accredited non-governmental organizations that have met the above criteria will be notified on-site at the United Nations Headquarters contingent upon adoption by the States Parties of the Rules of Procedure of the Conference of States Parties during its first meeting on 31 October 2008.
Please note that due to the heightened security at the United Nations Headquarters during the General Assembly session including the dates for the days of the Conference of States Parties, entry to the Conference of States Parties may only be granted representatives from accredited non-governmental organizations who have emailed their information prior to 22 October 2008. Any participants, personal assistant or accompanying persons, who have not registered via email by that date, may not be permitted to enter the Conference of States Parties. ECOSOC pass holders are also required to register via email.
On-site Registration
The on-site registration process, when which security passes will be issued, will take place on Friday 31 October from 9:00a.m. until 10:00a.m. Upon arrival at the United Nations Headquarters, registered participants should proceed through the Visitors Entrance, at East 46th Street and 1st Avenue. Once inside the visitors lobby, proceed to the registration table where the required grounds pass will be issued upon presentation of picture identification. You are kindly requested to register as early as possible on Friday morning. There will be no on-site registration on 3 November.
Please note that there will be no opportunity or space available for the distribution of literature - flyers, or any promotional or informational materials.
Accessibility and Reasonable Accommodation
The Secretariat of the United Nations is committed to improving accessibility of the United Nations. As requested in General Assembly resolution 61/106 of 13 December 2006, standards and guidelines for the accessibility of facilities and services of the United Nations system should be progressively implemented.
In preparation for the Conference of States Parties of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, may we draw your attention to the following arrangements including currently available measures for reasonable accommodation:
Copies of the Convention in Alternate Formats
Limited copies of the Convention will be available in large print in English, French, and Spanish; and in Braille in all United Nations official languages except for Chinese (due to current software limitations). English Braille is available in Grade 1 and Grade 2.
Sign Language
American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation will be provided.
Hearing loops
Hearing loops will be made available to those who have requested one via email.