Monitoring of the Implementation of the Convention

Article 33 explains that States must set up national focal points governments in order to monitor implementation of the Convention's precepts. States must also set up some sort of independent monitoring mechanisms – which usually takes the form of an independent national human rights institution. The full participation of civil society, in particular persons with disabilities and their representative organizations is essential in the national monitoring and implementation process. International monitoring is achieved via the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Conference of States Parties.

• The Conference of States Parties is made up of signatories to the Convention, and has the authority to consider any matter with regard to implementation of the Convention. The first session of the Conference of States Parties was convened by the Secretary-General on 30 October to 1 November 2008. The second session of the Conference of States Parties was held from 2 to 4 September 2009.
• The Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities will have an eventual membership of 18 experts, (in accordance with article 34 of the Convention, the Committee shall, at the time of entry into force of the Convention, be composed of twelve experts. After an additional sixty ratifications or accessions to the Convention, the membership of the Committee shall increase by six, attaining a maximum number of eighteen members) who will serve for four year terms in their individual capacities rather than as government representatives. (The term of six of the first Committee members will expire after 2 years). States Parties will provide reports to the Committee every two years after the Convention has entered into force. The reports will provide a comprehensive explanation on the progress made towards implementation of the Convention.
• The members of the Committee shall serve in their personal capacity and shall be of high moral standing and recognized competence and experience in the field of disability. The members of the Committee shall be elected by secret ballot from a list of persons nominated by the States Parties from among their nationals at meetings of the Conference of States Parties. The initial election shall be held no later than six months after the date of entry into force of the present Convention. For more information on meetings of the Committee, please visit the website of the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.