Chinese representative elaborates on achievements in China's cause for persons with disabilities at the United Nations

The 19th session of the Conference of States Parties to the **Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities** was held at UN Headquarters in New York from June 9 to 11. Its theme was *20 Years of the Convention: Celebrating and Consolidating Achievements in a Changing World and Charting the Next Phase of Implementation*. The Chinese government sent a delegation to attend the session. Chinese representatives took the floor during the general debate, as well as multiple roundtables and side events held in conjunction with the conference. They shared China’s philosophies and practices in implementing the Convention and advancing the inclusive development of persons with disabilities, and presented Chinese wisdom and solutions for protecting the human rights of people with disabilities, further demonstrating China’s image as a responsible major country that respects and safeguards the rights and interests of persons with disabilities. Addressing the roundtable themed *Strengthening Care and Support Systems for Persons with Disabilities*, a representative of the China Disabled Persons' Federation (CDPF) stated that adhering to a people-centered development philosophy, the Chinese government has earnestly implemented the Convention, incorporated work for persons with disabilities into national overall economic and social development plans, and improved social security and care service systems for this group. The sense of gain, happiness and security of people with disabilities in China has kept growing. As a supporting organization, the CDPF also participated in side events including *UN Inclusion Strategy 2.0: Celebrating Progress and Accelerating Disability Inclusion across the UN System*, exchanging ideas and practices in relevant fields. During the session, Chang Jian, Professor at the Law School of Hainan University and China’s candidate, was elected a member of the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, with a term of office from 2027 to 2030. This marks China’s return to the Committee after a decade. Meanwhile, an exhibition of cultural and creative works as well as poverty alleviation achievements by persons with disabilities in China was staged at the UN. Hosted by the CDPF and co-organized by disability federations of Zhejiang and Qinghai provinces, the exhibition displayed over 200 fine cultural and creative works and showcased China’s poverty alleviation outcomes for persons with disabilities during the 14th Five-Year Plan period. The **Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities** is the first comprehensive international legal instrument dedicated to protecting the rights of persons with disabilities in UN history. Adopted by the UN General Assembly in December 2006, it entered into force in May 2008. To date, 192 countries and one regional organization have ratified the Convention.