The Deputy Public Defender of Georgia, Irine Chikhladze, participated in the 19th session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (COSP19), held at the UN Headquarters in New York.

This year's conference was of particular importance, as it was dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Within the framework of the conference, participating states, international and regional organizations, national human rights institutions and representative organizations of persons with disabilities discussed the progress achieved in the implementation of the Convention, existing challenges and future priorities.

Speaking at the plenary session of the conference, Irine Chikhladze spoke about the achievements and challenges in terms of the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities in Georgia, in particular the importance of independent living, full inclusion in society, accessibility and development of support services. She also drew attention to the activities of the Public Defender of Georgia as the National Human Rights Institution and the independent monitoring mechanism defined by Article 33(2) of the Convention.

As part of the conference, Irine Chikhladze also attended thematic round tables on the prevention of violence, exploitation and abuse against persons with disabilities, development of sustainable systems of care and support, as well as strengthening the participation and representation of persons with disabilities in public and political life.

In addition, the Deputy Public Defender of Georgia participated in a parallel event held within the framework of the conference, which was dedicated to various aspects of implementing the Convention, sharing international practice and discussing best practices. At one of such events — “Around the World in Independent Monitoring Mechanisms” — Irine Chikhladze appeared as a panelist and shared the activities, governance model and practice of the Public Defender of Georgia, as an independent monitoring mechanism of the Convention, with representatives of national human rights institutions from other countries.

As part of the conference, Irine Chikhladze also participated in a meeting of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs), where the latest trends, challenges and opportunities related to the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities were discussed, including the role of independent monitoring mechanisms, participation of organizations of persons with disabilities in the decision-making process and mechanisms facilitating the effective implementation of the Convention.

The Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (COSP) is the most important international platform for sharing beast practices and challenges related to the implementation of the Convention, which annually brings together states, international organizations, national human rights institutions and civil society representatives from all over the world.