The Role of Non-Governmental Organizations

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) such as DPOs play an essential role in providing both reliable and independent information to the CRPD Committee. A principal method for providing information to the CRPD Committee is through the submission of parallel reports (also referred to as “shadow reports” or “alternative reports”), which supplement or "shadow" an official governmental report. The additional information is often very useful for helping treaty bodies develop a full understanding of the situation for persons with disabilities in a particular country as they review the official government report.

While there is no single format for shadow reports to a treaty body, in general they should:

  • Be organized in accordance with the articles of the particular treaty, as a commentary on the State Party’s report; and
  • Identify implementation gaps, highlight areas of concern and make concrete recommendations to advance implementation

Country Checkpoint

  1. Have DPOs or other NGOs in your country engaged in shadow reporting or other forms of monitoring of the rights of persons with disabilities or their inclusion in development processes such as poverty reduction planning and other aspects of development?
  2. With reference to the “Good practices for shadow reporting” in the text box below, discuss how DPOs could participate in monitoring and how such engagement can support governments in CRPD implementation.

 

Good Practices for Shadow Reporting

  • DPOs may make use of the CRPD Committee’s reporting guidelines for States Parties, which can serve as a useful checklist in the preparation of alternative reports. Covering all articles of the CRPD may be helpful for the Committee, but it is not required.
  • It is often helpful for NGOs to work in coalitions to create shadow reports, for example a DPO might collaborate with a women’s human rights NGO in drafting a shadow report on the reproductive rights of women with disabilities, with each organization contributing in their area of expertise. Working in coalitions is also an effective way of ensuring that the particular treaty- monitoring body gains a comprehensive view of a situation in a particular country.
  • Alternative reports can include recommendations and proposed questions for the list of issues to be drawn up by the Committee.
  • Advocates should follow basic ethical guidelines and human rights principles in their preparation of shadow reports: (1) taking care to present accurate information; (2) partnering with local organizations and consulting experts with disabilities; (3) avoiding conflicts of interest (for example, participating in a shadow report without disclosing close links to government), among others.

Source: One Billion Strong, Disability Human Rights Reporting (2012)