6th session of the Conference of States Parties to the CRPD
17-19 July 2013, United Nations, New York
DraftList of side-events for COSP6 website
16 July
Time: 10.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.
Venue: Conference Room 4
Title: Civil Society Forum
Organizer: Co-ordinated by International Disability Alliance with the support of DPI, DRF, GPDD, HRW, IDDC and RI
Co-Sponsors: PM of Australia, Bulgaria, Mexico and New Zealand, and UN DESA
Website:
17 July
Time: 8.30 a.m. to 9.30 a.m.
Venue: UNICEF House
Title: Measuring Disability
Organizer: UNICEF
Speakers: TBC
Details: Considering the difficulties in accurately measuring the prevalence of disability around the globe, this event will focus on the crucial topic of developing and exploring different methods of measuring disability. This topic should be of great interest to parties attending the Convention. Light breakfast will be served. A room with medium occupancy is kindly requested.
Website:
Time: 1.15 p.m. to 2.30 p.m.
Venue: Conference Room E
Title: Persons with Disabilities' role in Developing Accessible Environments
Organizer: PM of Israel
Co-Sponsors: Israel’s Commission for Equal Rights for Persons with Disability, and the International Disability Alliance (IDA)
Speakers: Mr. Ahiya, Kamara, Israel’s Commissioner for equal rights for persons with disabilities
Time: 1.15 p.m. to 2.30 p.m.
Venue: Conference Room 4
Title: Intersectionality between the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Convention against Torture with relation to persons with disabilities
Organizer: Chairperson of the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities of UN: María Soledad Cisternas Reyes; Chairperson of the Committee against Torture of UN: Claudio Grossman
Co-Sponsors: Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, United Nations
Speakers: Maria Soledad Cisternas Reyes, Chairperson of the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, UN; Claudio Grossman, Chairperson of the Committee against Torture, UN; Malcolm Evans, Chairperson of the Sub Committee for the Prevention of Torture, UN (to confirm); Theresia Degener, Vice Chairperson of the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, UN; Felice Gaer, Vice – Chairperson of the Committee against Torture, UN; Juan Méndez, Rapporteur on Torture Human Rights Council, UN (to confirm); Moderator: OHCHR/ Facundo Chavez – Leonardo Castihlo.
Details: Conduct an analysis of regulations to identify cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment suffered by persons as a result of their disability, especially of an intellectual and/or psycho-social disability. The aim is to promote environments and behaviours that prevent these violations and the adoption of measures to eradicate them on the legal grounds set forth in the UNCRPD and UNCAT.
Website:
Time: 1.15 p.m. to 2.30 p.m.
Venue: Conference Room 5
Title: Economic empowerment of persons with disabilities: where are we now and the way forward post-2015
Organizer: PM of Austria
Co-Sponsors: PM of Finland, PM of New Zealand, PM of Thailand, OHCHR
Speakers: PR/DPR of Finland or New Zealand (Welcome, opening remarks); OHCHR (speaker tbd); Essl Foundation/World Future Council; CRPD Committee member
Details: This side event will aim to: identify achievements, good practices and challenges as well as means of enhancing cooperation to implement the CRPD; and explore ways to enhance the promotion and protection of rights of persons with disabilities in the post-2015 development agenda.
Time: 1.15 p.m. to 2.30 p.m.
Venue: Conference Room 7
Title: Social protection and empowerment of persons with disabilities
Organizer:PM of Kenya
Speakers: Cecilia Mbaka - Deputy Director, Ministry of Gender and Social Development, and Samuel Kabue - Secretary, Disabled Peoples’ International
Details: Panel discussions and video presentation on the “National Fund for People with Disabilities” a model in place in Africa and in line with the theme on social protection and empowerment of people with disabilities.
Time: 3.00 p.m. to 4.30 p.m.
Venue: Conference Room 5
Title: Accessible for All: Examples from Russia, the US, and Europe
Organizer: Human Rights Watch
Speakers: Denise Roza, Director, Perspektiva – Regional Society of Disabled People (Moscow); Judith Heumann, Special Advisor for International Disability Rights, US Department of State; Karina Chupina, Expert Consultant for the Council of Europe, President of the International Hard of Hearing Youth Program; Mohammed Al-Tarawneh, P.E., M.A., Current Member and Founding Chairperson, U.N.-CRPD Committee—OHCHR, U.N. Goodwill Ambassador for Peace & Development; Andrea Mazzarino, ACLS Public Fellow, Europe & Central Asia Division, Human Rights Watch.
Details: The panel will discuss the range of challenges and best practices in making society accessible for all, using examples from Russia, the United States and Europe. Experts will address access to employment, healthcare, physical infrastructure and transportation, and share concrete recommendations on how to build a more accessible and inclusive society.
Website:
Time: 3.00 p.m. to 4.30 p.m.
Venue: Conference Room E
Title: Destinations for all
Organizer: Kéroul
Co-Sponsors: UN World Tourism Organization, European Network for Accessible Tourism, International Organization of Social Tourism
Speakers: André Vallerand, Co-Chairman of the World Summit Destinations for All, Special Advisor to the Secretary General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization, and Isabelle Ducharme, Chairperson of the board of Kéroul.
Details: This event aims to establish a world partnership and a common international strategy to develop universal accessibility for infrastructures and tourism services, including transport services, and the availability of information on accessible destinations. This Summit will be held in Montréal, October 19-22 2014.
Website:Keroul.qc.ca
Time: 4.45 p.m. to 6.00 p.m.
Venue: Conference Room 5
Title: Transforming communities for Inclusion of persons with psychosocial disabilities
Organizer: World Network of Users and Survivors of Psychiatry; Disabled People's International
Co-Sponsors: BAPU Trust (India) and Nepal Mental Health Foundation Stichting Mindrights, Netherlands
Speakers: Moosa Salie, Chair, WNUSP; Jagannath Lamichhane, Director, Nepal Mental Health Foundation; and Jolijn Santegoeds, Founder, Stichting Mindrights Netherlands
Details: Barriers to Inclusion - legal frameworks (the institutional context, legislations, need for de-instutionalisation in some countries); Facilitatory factors - Concluding observations, proactive judgments, de-institutionalisation not required in some countries, development context; Examples of good practices - from world wide; Summing up on advocacy for the future; and Eindhoven Model – Alternative to psychiatry.
Time: 4.45 p.m. to 6.00 p.m.
Venue: Conference Room E
Title: ICTs for disability-inclusive development efforts
Organizer: ITU, Broadband Commission, G3ICT, International Disability Alliance, Microsoft, Telecentre.org Foundation and UNESCO
Speakers: Axel Leblois, G3ICT, International Disability Alliance, Gary Fowlie, International Telecommunication Union, James Thurston, Microsoft, Telecentre.org Foundation, UNESCO
Details: The Broadband Commission for Digital Development, G3ICT, IDA, ITU, Microsoft, the Telecentre.org Foundation and UNESCO have recently carried out a global consultation the contribution of ICTs to advance the inclusion of persons with disabilities in all aspects of development efforts. The panellists will discuss the findings of this consultation, which include a proposal of key priority areas of action to be undertaken by each stakeholder. CART services will be available.
Website:
18 July
Time: 10.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m.
Venue: Conference Room E
Title: Mental Disabilities: A Mental Health Perspective
Organizer: International Psychoanalytical Association
Co-Sponsors: NGO Committee on Mental Health, PM of Mexico, WeillCornellMedicalCollege
Speakers: H.E. Morgan-Sotomayor, DPR, Permanent Mission of Mexico to the UN; Ms. Rosangela Berman Bieler, Chief, Disability Section, UNICEF; John Walkup MD, Director, Child Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medical College; Vivian Pender MD, Main Representative to the UN, International Psychoanalytical Association, Past Chair, NGO Committee on the Status of Women, NY
Details: Mental disabilities are frequently invisible and can accompany a physical disability, thus adding to lack of awareness. Further exclusion and discrimination can lead to stigma and abuse. Many mental disabilities begin in childhood however new early intervention techniques can decrease distress and potentially alter future outcomes. This panel will provide research findings, clinical studies and data that will educate and inform the participants and hopefully lessen the burden of a mental disability on the individual and the family.
Website:
Time: 10.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m.
Venue: Conference Room 5
Title: The most accessible office building in the world – the UN CRPD as a showcase in the built environment.
Organizer: Disabled Peoples Organization Denmark and Ministry of Social Affairs and Integration
Speakers: Hanne Stig Andersen, Head of Department Stig Langvad, Chairman of Disabled Peoples Organization Denmark, member of the CRPD-Committee
Details: It is possible to build accessible and live up to high standards concerning universal design, climate, energy, work environment and innovation to lower prices than similar buildings. DPOD shows the result and talks about considerations, choices, processes and output. The Government speaks on national actions on accessible environments.
Website: and
Time: 11.45 a.m. to 1.00 p.m.
Venue: Conference Room E
Title: Promoting Disability-Inclusive ICT Policies for Education
Organizer: G3ict – Global Initiative for Inclusive ICTs
Co-Sponsors: UNESCO, Disabled People's International (DPI), Microsoft
Speakers: Introductory remarks: Axel Leblois, Executive Director, G3ict; Welcome remarks: Suzanne Bilello, Senior Public Information and Liaison Officer, UNESCO Office in New York and Irmgarda Kasinskaite-Buddeberg, Programme Specialist, Universal Access and Preservation Section, Knowledge Societies Division, Communication and Information Sector, UNESCO (via video conference from Paris); Presentation of model policy “"Inclusive ICTs for Education": Amanda Watkins, Assistant Director - Project Implementation, European Agency for Development in Special Needs Education; Discussion: Javed Abidi, Chairperson, Disabled People's International (DPI) and Vice Chair, International Disability Alliance (IDA); James Thurston, Director – International Accessibility Policy, Microsoft; Susan Mazrui, Director, Public Policy, AT&T; Pratik Patel, Founder and CEO, EZFire.
Details: A review of success factors for the development and implementation by States Parties of policies promoting inclusive information and communication technologies for persons with disabilities leveraging the framework of the CRPD. The panel will discuss, as an example, the model policy on "Inclusive ICTs for Education," jointly developed in 2013 by UNESCO and G3ict.
Website:
Time: 11.45 a.m. to 1.00 p.m.
Venue: Conference Room 5
Title: Discapacidad y Pueblos Originarios: un desafío pendiente
Organizer: Gobierno de Chile
Co-Sponsors: Misión Permanente de Chile ante Naciones Unidas, Servicio Nacional de la Discapacidad (SENADIS), Unidad Coordinadora de Asuntos Indígenas (UCAI) del Ministerio de Desarrollo Social, Oficina del Comisionado Presidencial para Rapa Nui del Ministerio del Interior, Corporación Nacional de Desarrollo Indígena(CONADI).
Speakers: Representantes de los Pueblos Originarios: Sr. David Carvajal, integrante de la Comunidad Quilqulil, pueblo mapuche; Sra. Antonia Ika, integrante de la OrganizaciónKa Aha Ra Ia” , pueblo Rapa Nui. Representantes de Gobierno: Embajador Octavio Errázuriz, Representante Permanente de Chile ante Naciones Unidas; Sra. Ximena Rivas, Directora de Servicio Nacional de la Discapacidad (SENADIS); Sr. Andrés Cortés, Coordinador de la unidad de asuntos indígenas del Ministerio de Desarrollo Social; Sra. Ana Millanao, Asesora en temas indígenas del ministerio del Interior.Representantes de Naciones Unidas: Sra. María Soledad Cisternas, Presidenta del Comité sobre Derechos de las Personas con Discapacidad.
Details: Promover una reflexión respecto de la Discapacidad y los Pueblos Originarios, como una oportunidad de alcanzar el Desarrollo Inclusivo, con perspectiva de Derechos Humanos. Una visión de los Pueblos Originarios y desde la política pública, para lograr la inclusión social de las personas con discapacidad que se reconocen integrantes de Pueblos Originarios.
Website:Minrel.gov.cl / Senadis.gob.cl
Time: 1.15 p.m. to 2.30 p.m.
Venue: Conference Room E
Title: Voices of Youth with Disabilities from the Global South
Organizer:Disabled People’s International
Co-Sponsors: SCRPD/DESA, UNICEF, MphasiS F1 Foundation
Speakers: Javed Abidi (Chairperson, DPI) ; Meenu Bhambhani, MphasiS ; Abia Akram, Coordinator – DPI’s Global Network of Youth with Disabilities.
Details: The side event will attempt to discourse on why we have not been able to get more and more young leaders with disabilities at the forefront and showcase a few examples where youth with disabilities, especially those from the Global South have been able to make their mark.
Time: 1.15 p.m. to 2.30 p.m.
Venue: Conference Room 4
Title: Looking ahead: How can development assistance be more disability inclusive?
Organizer: Disability Rights Fund (DRF)
Co-Sponsors: Missions of Australia, Norway, United States, (other partner TBC)
Speakers: DRF – rep to be confirmed; Australia – rep to be confirmed; Ms. Ann Marit Sæbønes – Senior Advisor, Ministry of Children & Social Inclusion (Norway); Ms. Charlotte McClain-Nhalpo, Coordinator of the Office for Disability & Inclusive Development, AUSAID (US); (other partner rep TBC)
Details: This side event will build on evaluations of aid and funding programs to discussopportunities for disability to be better incorporated in development.DRF’s publication,Beyond Charity: A Donor’s Guide to Inclusion,will be usedas a framework for progressing this discussion.
Time: 1.15 p.m. to 2.30 p.m.
Venue: Conference Room 5
Title: The interface between ageing and disability: Post 2014 development agenda
Organizer: Eng. Aja Eze Foundation
Co-Sponsors: Mission of El Salvador, UN
Speakers:
Details: Explore the interface between the implementation of the CRPD and ageing, since ageing has a major influence on disability, as older persons become frailer and extremely vulnerable to physical and mental conditions.
Time: 1.15 p.m. to 2.30 p.m.
Venue: Conference Room 7
Title: Strategies for access to education for children and young people with disabilities: The case of China
Organizer: Human Rights Watch
Speakers: Charlotte McClain, Coordinator, Office for Disability and Inclusive Development, USAID; Representative of UNICEF (to be confirmed); Helen McCabe, Project Coordinator and Inclusion Specialist for China and Southeast Asia, Perkins International; Sophie Richardson, China Director, Human Rights Watch.
Details: This panel discusses access to education for people with disabilitiesin China. As highlighted in the UNICEFState of the World's Children report, children with disabilities experience barriers to school attendance--includingdenial of admission and lack of reasonable accommodations. This panel will discuss recommendations to improve access to education for children with disabilities.
Website:
Time: 3.00 p.m. to 4.30 p.m.
Venue: Conference Room 5
Title: Specific Strategies For The Inclusion Of Universal Design And Accessibility In A Post 2015 Disability And Development Agenda
Organizer: Global Alliance on Accessible Technologies and Environments (GAATES)
Speakers: Mukhtar Al Shibani, GAATES President, and Andres Balczar, GAATES Communications and Project Coordinator
Details: GAATES will present as a workshop, Specific Strategies for the Inclusion of Universal Design and Accessibility In a Post 2015 Disability and Development Agenda. The strategies are based on the GAATES submissions to the UN Online consultation on Disability and Development, and presentations from GAATES Country Representative around the world.
Website:
Time: 4.45 p.m. to 6.00 p.m.
Venue: Conference Room 5
Title: The Right to Decide = true empowerment and participation of people with intellectual disabilities
Organizer: Inclusion International
Speakers: Klaus Lachwitz, President, Inclusion International; Nagase Osamu, II Council Member, Japan; Vanessa Dos Santos, South Africa; TBC, Global South and the Americas
Details: Having the right to make decisions is critical for ensuring that people with intellectual disabilities are truly empowered and able to have control over their own lives. Significant barriers – specifically legal frameworks and community-based practices – hinder economic security and employment opportunities. This session will discuss empowerment through the right to decide.
Website:
Time: 6.15 p.m. to 7.45 p.m.
Venue: Conference Room 4
Title: The Other Film Festival - International Disability Cinema
Organizer: Australian Federation of Disability Organisations
Co-Sponsors: Arts Access Victoria
Speakers: Rick Randall, Festival Director, The Other Film Festival, Arts Access Victoria
Sophie Sherriff, Associate Director, The Other Film Festival, Arts Access Victoria
Details: The Other Film Festival screens compelling international cinema about the lived experience of disability. This side event will screen the best short films from the 2012 festival. All films will be captioned and audio described. Post screening discussion will be CART & ASL interpreted. “A good film lets you walk in another person’s shoes”
Website:
19 July
Time: 10.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m.
Venue: Conference Room E
Title: Challenges of Toilet and Sanitary Standards in Emergencies
Organizer: African Youth Movement (AYM)
Co-Sponsors: Global Advocacy for Toilet and Sanitary Standards Initiative (GATSSI)
Speakers: Otu, Uwem Robert. President, African Youth Movement (AYM)
Princess Miriam Onuoha. President, Global Advocacy for Toilet and Sanitary Standards Initiative (GATSSI)
Details: In many emergencies, whilst basic classrooms may survive, toilets may not. Students and teachers are forced to either use nearby bushes, or to wait until they are out of school and are at risk of sexual violence and robbery; the situation is worse for school girls, women and the disabled.
Website:
Time: 10.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m.
Venue: Conference Room 5
Title: The Art of Engagement – An entertaining approach to building awareness
Organizer: ABILITY Awareness
Co-Sponsors: ABILITY Magazine, China Press for People with Disabilities
Speakers: Lia Limón Martirosyan – Entertainer; Self, Andy Madadian – Iranian/Armenian Entertainer; Self, Charles Limb, MD – Jazz Musician; John Hopskins
Joe Pantoliano – Actor; Self , Chet Cooper – Editor-in-Chief, ABILITY Magazine; Director; ABILITY Global Alliance. More TBA
Details: Panelists will discuss and demonstrate howthe implementation of music,theater,humor and various visual artscan stimulate powerful sensory messages to a typically resistant society. After short illustrationsthe panel will engage inaudienceparticipation.
Website:abilityawareness.org, ability365.com, abilityspeaks.com
Time: 11.45 a.m. to 1.00 p.m.
Venue: Conference Room E
Title: Accessibility for persons with disabilities (Article 9 of CRPD) and exhibition of authentic culture of persons with disabilities
Organizer: NGO Little People of Kosova
Speakers: Prof. Dr. Alush Musaj, Hiljmnijeta Apuk,
Details: A Two-Part Series: Part One: Presentation of accessibility for students with disabilities and Presentation of innovative idea on accessibility as part of marketing. Customers with Disabilities increasing the profit and companies should invest in the construction of accessible ramps for persons with disabilities as the panels for their advertising. Part Two: exhibition of artworks of authentic culture of persons with disabilities.