Role of National Human Rights Institutions and Organizations of Persons with Disabilities in the National Monitoring of the CRPD

This chapter explores the relationship between national human rights institutions (NHRIs) and organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) in the context of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). The chapter focuses on Article 33(2) of the UNCRPD; it analyses the obligation placed on states to establish an independent monitoring framework and how states are meeting this obligation in practice. It looks at the different models which states have adopted when developing their monitoring frameworks, noting that the designation of an NHRI within the framework as the independent monitoring mechanism has in practice been shown as the strongest guarantee of both independence and effectiveness. The chapter considers the opportunities which the designation of an NHRI within the independent monitoring framework presents to OPDs. The unique characteristics of NHRIs are considered. Noting these, a number of potential opportunities for collaboration between NHRIs and OPDs are considered with reference to relevant examples. Overall the chapter highlights the need for a more detailed appreciation of the relationship between NHRIs and OPDs along with the need to consider what achievements can be made through effective collaboration.