ENNHRI and Equinet (the European Network of Equality Bodies) are hosting a training event for NHRIs and equality bodies on 3-4 October in Riga on the engagement of the Article 33(2) Independent Monitoring Mechanisms (IMMs) with the UNCRPD Committee and Disabled Persons’ Organisations (DPOs).

NHRIs and equality bodies have a unique mandate to protect, promote and monitor the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities (UNCRPD). Article 33(2) foresees the designation of “a framework, including one or more independent mechanisms (…) to promote, protect and monitor implementation of the (…) Convention”. It also highlights that “States Parties shall take into account the principles relating to the status and functioning of national institutions for protection and promotion of human rights”.

Given these important functions, the ENNHRI-Equinet training event aims to increase and support the strategic capacity of equality bodies and NHRIs to engage with DPOs and the UNCRPD Committee, while strengthening the links and peer support among independent mechanisms.

It is attended by Equinet and ENNHRI members who are (or will become) independent mechanisms in order to reflect and identify means which can guarantee the implementation of the Convention and increase the cooperation with the CRPD Committee and DPOs.

Photos from Day 1 of the training event:

Photos from Day 2 of the training event: