A/HRC/33/25 38. The right to participate in public affairs is provided for in several international human rights treaties, particularly in article 25 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, article 7 of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and article 29 of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. These provisions constitute the main guidance regarding the scope of this right and how to ensure its full implementation. 39. Further guidance may be needed to strengthen and facilitate the implementation of the right to participation in public affairs in electoral contexts but also outside such contexts, including with regard to the scope of the right and to citizen participation in decision-making in regional and international institutions. 40. The development of guidance on the right to participate should involve those individuals affected, including persons with disabilities, in line with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Such guidance should be made accessible to all concerned. 41. International human rights mechanisms, including international human rights bodies and the Human Rights Council, as well as all relevant stakeholders, are encouraged to continue exploring these issues and help in recording good practices to ensure the promotion and protection of the right to participate in public affairs, as well as to provide guidance in the matter. 42. While general comment No. 25 of the Human Rights Committee on article 25 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights has not lost its relevance, it would benefit from an update and clarifications in certain areas, such as the participation of specific groups, and alternative forms of participation. Treaty bodies may also wish to consider the possibility of issuing a joint general comment or a joint statement on the right to participate in public affairs, drawing on their jurisprudence and practice in this area. 43. The need for improved participation is highlighted by the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals, particularly goals 5 and 16. Consideration should be given to ways to ensure participation in the follow-up to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals during national reviews. The right to participate should also be systematically included in assessments of States during the universal periodic review. 13