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 the 9th to the 11th. The theme of the conference was "20 years of the Convention: Celebrating and Consolidating Achievements and Charting the Next Phase of Implementation in a Changing World". The Chinese government dispatched a delegation to attend the session.
Chinese representatives took the floor at the general debate, multiple roundtables and side events held under the conference framework. They expounded on China’s philosophies and practices in implementing the Convention and advancing inclusive development for persons with disabilities, shared Chinese wisdom and solutions for protecting the human rights of persons with disabilities, and further demonstrated China’s image as a responsible major country that respects and safeguards the human rights of persons with disabilities.
Delivering a keynote speech at the themed roundtable "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 earnestly implements the Convention, integrates the cause of persons with disabilities into the overall national economic and social development plans, and establishes and improves the social security and care service systems for persons with disabilities, bringing continuous improvements to the sense of gain, happiness and security of people with disabilities across the country.
As a supporting organization, the CDPF also participated in side events including "UN Inclusion Strategy 2.0: Celebrating Progress and Accelerating Disability Inclusive Action Across the UN System", introducing relevant work philosophies and practical experience in related fields.
During the conference, Chang Jian, Professor at the Law School of Hainan University and the Chinese candidate, was elected a member of the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities for the term 2027–2030. This marks the election of a Chinese representative to the Committee after an interval of 10 years.
In addition, an exhibition of cultural and creative works by persons with disabilities and an exhibition showcasing China’s poverty alleviation achievements for people with disabilities were held at the UN. Hosted by the CDPF and undertaken by Zhejiang Provincial Disabled Persons’ Federation, Qinghai Provincial Disabled Persons’ Federation and other institutions, the exhibitions displayed more than 200 fine cultural and creative pieces created by persons with disabilities, as well as China’s achievements in poverty reduction among people 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 in UN history dedicated to protecting the rights of persons with disabilities. 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.
