1. Introduction to the UN CRPD with a special focus on Article 33 Gauthier de BecoAlexander HoefmansAssociate Researcher Catholic University of Louvain (UCL) Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)

2. Introduction Essentials of the UN CRPD  “Nothing about us without us”  Society-based Convention  Paradigm shifts - conceptual shifts - structural shifts

3. Focal Point & Coordination Mechanism  Focal Point “States Parties, in accordance with their system of organisation, shall designate one or more focal points within government for matters relating to the implementation of the present Convention,[…]”  Coordination Mechanism “[The States Parties] … shall give due consideration to the establishment or designation of a coordination mechanism within government to facilitate related action in different sectors and at different levels.”

4. Focal Point & Coordination Mechanism  Designating/establishment at highest possible level?  Functions - clear mandate - reporting procedure - national disability rights agenda  Interaction with civil society

5. Independent Mechanisms Article 33 (2) UN CRPD: ‘States Parties shall … designate or establish … a framework, including one or more independent mechanisms, as appropriate, to promote, protect and monitor implementation of the present Convention. When designating or establishing such a mechanism, States parties shall take into account the [Paris Principles].’ Designation or establishment of One or more independent mechanisms

6. Independent Mechanisms Paris Principles: - National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs): types and functions - Accreditation by the International Coordinating Committee of NHRIs: A-,B- or C-Status - Independence: criteria - Pluralism: who and how UN CRPD: Application to the independent mechanisms: Interpretative questions

7. Independent Mechanisms Functions: - Promotion - Protection - Monitoring Framework: - Possible combinations - Federal or decentralised States