A/HRC/34/69 human diversity. Participants had stressed the importance of universal ratification of the Convention and its Optional Protocol. In addition, reform of national legislation and policies should be promoted to ensure the adoption of the human rights-based approach to disability. This included taking a twin-track approach, through mainstreaming and targeted action, for the inclusion and participation of persons with disabilities in society. Institutional frameworks for implementation and monitoring of the Convention were being put in place or reformed, and had to be strengthened to face the challenges ahead. 75. There was a need for increasing international cooperation and resources; consistent mainstreaming of disability throughout international cooperation; systematic involvement of organizations of persons with disabilities; and funding for research in key areas. International organizations, including United Nations agencies, bodies and mechanisms, had taken positive steps to include the rights of persons with disabilities in their work and were expected to increase their attention to the situation of all persons with disabilities. They could contribute further to better implementing the human rights and development frameworks at all levels, including in realizing the Sustainable Development Goals in accordance with the Convention. The efforts of OHCHR to develop guidelines in that regard, with support from the European Union, were appreciated. Further, there was a need to include the private sector in the implementation of the Goals and the Convention, including through initiatives such as the United Nations Global Compact. 76. National human rights institutions were essential in monitoring implementation of the Convention, particularly by mainstreaming disability-related issues and establishing focal points. They provided technical support and capacity-building to organizations of persons with disabilities, facilitated their dialogue with Governments, contributed to enhancing access to justice and engaged with international human rights mechanisms. Participants had also highlighted the influence of private and public media on access to information and public perceptions of disability, and pointed out that they often lacked knowledge of the Convention. Fınally, academia was central to reflecting good practices on combating stereotypes and providing inputs to foster compliance with the Convention. Nevertheless, direct participation by and involvement of persons with disabilities as well as increased research were needed in this field. B. Recommendations 77. Participants at the Social Forum strongly recommended universal ratification of the Convention and its Optional Protocol and ratification of the Marrakesh Treaty. States parties should harmonize their legislation with the Convention and adopt the human rights-based approach to disability in policy design, particularly with regard to non-discrimination, including multiple and intersectional discrimination; provision of reasonable accommodation; equal recognition before the law; accessibility; inclusive education; poverty reduction; and independent living. 78. States should ensure the participation of persons with disabilities and their representative organizations in decision-making processes, including by providing them with unconditional support, capacity-building, technical assistance and promotion of self-advocates, among other actions. Focal points that would coordinate efforts towards implementation and support decentralization were key for policymaking. While seeking to comply with their immediate obligations, States should also ensure appropriate budget allocations for fulfilling their progressive 19