Participation in political and public life
People with disabilities have the right to participate fully in political and public life, as enshrined in Article 29 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). This includes the right to vote, join political parties, hold public office, and engage in advocacy and activism. Despite this, many people with disabilities have experienced barriers, whether it be inaccessible venues, communications, or discriminatory attitudes, which prevent people with disabilities from engaging in political processes. Inclusive policies and practices are essential to remove barriers and facilitate the meaningful participation of people with disabilities in shaping their communities and societies.
Resources in this section provide evidence, guidance, and examples of practice to enable the full participation of people with disabilities in political and public life.
UN Women (2022) Leadership and Political Participation of Women with Disabilities
This brief provides an overview of the barriers preventing women with disabilities form participating in political life.
Sightsavers (2023) Levels of participation of people with disabilities in inclusive local development
This document is a useful tool for measuring the participation of people with disabilities in inclusive local development, and the inclusiveness of policies and development plans.
Sightsavers (2022) Guide to inclusive local development
This guide was developed to promote local authority ownership and implementation of inclusive local development (ILD) approaches.
World Health Organisation & World Bank (2011) World Report on Disability
This report reviews evidence about the situation of people with disabilities around the world.
Humanity & Inclusion (2010) Rights in action: Good practices for inclusive local governance in West Africa
This report analyses examples of people with disabilities actively participating in local governance and influencing decision making in West Africa.
Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (2019) Guidelines on Promoting the Political Participation of Persons with Disabilities
These guidelines are a practical resource for states to strengthen the ability of democratic institutions - particularly political parties and parliaments - to engage and empower people with disabilities in political processes.
