A/HRC/31/62 Report of the Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities Contents Page I. Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 3 II. Activities of the Special Rapporteur ................................................................................................ 3 A. Country visits ........................................................................................................................... 3 B. Conferences, meetings and engagement with stakeholders ..................................................... 3 C. Communications ...................................................................................................................... 4 Participation of persons with disabilities in political and public life ............................................... 5 A. Principle of participation ......................................................................................................... 5 B. Right to vote and to be elected ................................................................................................. 7 C. Right to access public service .................................................................................................. 7 D. Right to participate in the conduct of public affairs ................................................................. 7 Participation of persons with disabilities in public decision-making ............................................... 8 A. Importance of effective and meaningful participation ............................................................ 8 B. Ensuring the participation of representative organizations of persons with disabilities .......... 10 C. Promoting consultation and the active involvement of persons with disabilities .................... 16 D. Key areas for participation ....................................................................................................... 19 Conclusions and recommendations .................................................................................................. 22 III. IV. V. 2