The following is the statement of the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon, Najat Rochdi, on the ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) by the Lebanese Parliament:

"I welcome the important step by the Lebanese Parliament towards the ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) by adopting a law, on 29 March, authorizing the Government to proceed with the ratification process. Lebanon showed its commitment to the human rights of persons with disabilities by signing the Convention in 2007. Lebanon now needs to take the next step of ratification to join the current 185 States parties to the Convention and fully commit to promote, protect, and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights by persons with disabilities.

"I encourage Lebanon also to join the 100 UN Member States that have ratified the Optional Protocol to the CRPD allowing the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to receive individual communications concerning violations of the Convention.

The articles of the CRPD cover the full spectrum of human rights and set out principles that should guide legislative, administrative and other measures to address barriers to persons with disabilities’ effective participation and inclusion in society, including their ability to live independently in the community, to vote, to access justice, to participate in sport and cultural activities and to access their physical environment, transportation, and information."