Art.39 Report of the Committee

Abstract

This chapter examines Article 39 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). Article 39 concerns two aspects of the monitoring and oversight function performed by treaty bodies: reporting and the issuance of general recommendations or comments. The CRPD reporting requirement to the UN General Assembly (UNGA) and the Economic and Social Council is more than just a pro forma procedural matter. The record of events contained in the Committee’s biennial reports provides a vital connection between the States parties, the Committee, and the UNGA. The General Comments, with their elucidation of specific treaty provisions, serve to guide the practice of states parties with respect to the panoply of rights related issues that have an impact on persons with disabilities. More important, these General Comments signal areas that deserve greater attention overall and represent a robust interpretation of the CRPD to protect the human rights of individuals with disabilities.