Switzerland presents first State party report to UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Bern, 08.03.2022 - The UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities will examine Switzerland’s first State party report on the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities between 14 and 16 March. A delegation of federal and cantonal government representatives will present the report and respond to questions from committee members.
Switzerland acceded to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2014. Today, 184 states have ratified this Convention. Switzerland submitted the first report on its implementation in 2016. However, due to the large number of Convention ratifications and the COVID-19 pandemic, the review of the State party report is only now taking place.
The Federal Council approved Switzerland's report on the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities on 29 June 2016. The report shows how the rights of persons with disabilities are implemented legally and politically in Switzerland and also points out the need for action.
In 2018, the Federal Council noted in a report on disability policy that the situation of people with disabilities in Switzerland has improved greatly in recent years. For example, buildings and public transport have become more accessible and the invalidity insurance scheme has strengthened occupational integration. However, people with disabilities are still not able to participate equally in many areas of life, such as work, education, health, housing, leisure and culture. In the period 2018-2022, the Federal Council therefore set the focus of disability policy on
deepening cooperation between the federal government and the cantons, promoting self-determined living, equality in the workplace and improving barrier-free communication The Committee's questions formulated in the run-up to the review, as well as the presentation in Geneva, provide an opportunity to highlight these measures to improve equality for persons with disabilities.
The Committee and the States Parties review the report in dialogue. In the run-up to the review, civil society also has the opportunity to present its assessment to the Committee. Following the review, the Committee formulates its concerns and recommendations in writing for the attention of the state concerned.
The Federal Council is expected to consider the future priorities of disability policy in Switzerland at the end of 2022. This will also provide a framework to take into account the Committee's recommendations.
Address for enquiries
Andreas Rieder, Leiter EBGB,
Tel. +41 79 475 60 49
andreas.rieder@gs-edi.admin.ch
Publisher
Federal Department of Home Affairs
http://www.edi.admin.ch
General Secretariat FDHA
http://www.edi.admin.ch
