Table of contents:
Summary of Article 33
As the previous sections show, there are wide and numerous ways for States to implement Article 33 at the national level. While difficult to summarize, the following table aims to provide a non-exhaustive, rough overview of the main features of Article 33 frameworks. The table tries to reflect those areas where there are shared characteristics or responsibilities, but it is worth noting that the lines distinguishing focal points, coordination mechanisms and independent monitoring frameworks are oftentimes much more ambiguous in reality.
| Focal point(s) | Coordination mechanism | Independent monitoring framework | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mandate | Maintains overall responsibility for the implementation of the CRPD; serves as the State’s main contact point for domestic / international stakeholders | Ensures coordinated and coherent CRPD implementation across government (both horizontally and vertically) | Promotes, protects and monitors CRPD implementation by the State |
| Structure / composition | At least one focal point, located at the highest level of government, e.g. the Office of the President / Prime Minister, State Secretary, Ministry, national coordination mechanism, etc. | Chaired by senior level government official, e.g. the lead focal point, the President or Prime Minister, Minister, etc. | At least one independent mechanism that takes into account the Paris Principles, e.g. human rights commission, ombudsman, etc. |
| Additional focal points can be designated, either horizontally or vertically; in the case of multiple focal points, a lead focal point should be appointed | Ministries and other government bodies (preferably at the senior level) should be represented; OPDs, civil society and other entities can also take part | Additional mechanism(s) can be designated to the framework, e.g. advisory bodies, OPD federations, etc.; government officials can participate but only in an advisory capacity | |
| Examples of functions | Sets, oversees and monitors the State’s agenda and action plan vis-à-vis CRPD implementation | Coordinates and monitors CRPD implementation by various ministries and departments, including at the sub-national level | Monitors CRPD implementation, including by reviewing laws, policies, strategies and practices, and proposes recommendations to State authorities |
| Reviews, revises and amends relevant laws, strategies and policies | Facilitates mainstreaming of the rights of persons with disabilities across government (including laws, policies and strategies) | Maintains responsibility for protection functions, including handling individual complaints and petitions, and supporting domestic legal processes | |
| Provides advice and builds capacities within government on the rights of persons with disabilities | Provides a forum for information and experience sharing, joint initiatives, etc. | Provides training to relevant stakeholders (in- and outside of government) on the CRPD and its Optional Protocol | |
| Promotes and ensures the full, active and meaningful participation (direct and indirect) of persons with disabilities throughout its work | |||
| Raises awareness and disseminates information on the CRPD and its Optional Protocol, including in accessible formats | |||
| Roles vis-à-vis CRPD Committee | Coordinates and prepares initial and periodic reports to the CRPD Committee, as well as replies to the list of issues | Supports the drafting of the initial and periodic reports, including by facilitating the participation of civil society and OPDs and submitting alternative reports | |
| Represents the State Party during dialogues with the CRPD Committee | Participates in dialogues between the State Party and the CRPD Committee | ||
| Ensures that recommendations from the concluding observations are addressed, and coordinates the State’s participation in the Committee’s follow-up procedure | Disseminates concluding observations and participates in follow-up procedures | ||