Ensuring political participation of people with disabilities 

The political participation of people with disabilities is not only a way forward towards inclusion and the 2030 goals, but is also a fundamental human right. The participation of people with disabilities in the political process is crucial to ensure that their voices are heard and their needs are addressed in policy and decision-making.

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), ratified by 182 countries, recognises the right of people with disabilities to participate fully in political life. Article 29 of the CRPD specifically states that people with disabilities have the right to vote and to be elected, as well as the right to participate in public life and decision-making processes.

Unfortunately, people with disabilities often face significant barriers to political participation, including physical barriers, such as inaccessible polling stations or lack of sign language interpreters, and attitudinal barriers, such as negative stereotypes and discrimination.

To promote the political participation of people with disabilities, governments and political parties need to take concrete steps to remove these barriers and ensure that people with disabilities have equal access to the political process. This could include providing accessible polling stations, ensuring that voting materials are available in accessible formats, and providing training for election officials on disability issues.

Additionally, political parties can promote the inclusion of people with disabilities by actively recruiting and supporting candidates with disabilities and including disability issues in their policy platforms.

In conclusion, the political participation of people with disabilities is a crucial component of promoting inclusion and achieving the 2030 goals. Governments, political parties, and civil society organisations must work together to ensure that people with disabilities are able to participate fully and equally in the political process.