Equal Access at the United Nations

IFES served as an observer to the 7th Conference of States Parties to the United Nations (UN) Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities from June 10-12, 2014 at UN Headquarters in New York City. As a consultative member of ECOSOC, IFES has the ability to observe deliberations by the member states on implementation of the disability treaty as well as to host side-events open to states and civil society. IFES Vice President of Programs, Michael Svetlik, moderated this side event on political participation of persons with disabilities.

The event was opened by Craig Jenness, Director of the UN Electoral Assistance Division, Panelists included IFES Access and Inclusion Specialist Virginia Atkinson, who spoke about Equal Access: How to Include Persons with Disabilities in Elections and Political Processes, and Risna Utami, Disability Rights Advisor, Charlotte McClain-Nhlapo, USAID Disability Inclusive Development Coordinator. Representatives from UN Development Programme and the National Democratic Institute also shared steps their organizations are taking to make the political process more accessible.

Please note there is no audio until 04:54