Article 29 [Participation in Political and Public Life]

Article 29 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is grounded on the awareness that the lack of political impact of persons with disabilities goes to the detriment of the enjoyment of other rights. Article 29 responds to all obstacles to the effective enjoyment of the rights of participation by persons with disabilities. The general right to participate in political and public life is framed in terms of equality by addressing specific situations. Introduced by a chapeau, two paragraphs set forth in other sub-paragraphs obligations that States are to undertake in relation to voting and holding public office, participation in political organization and, more generally, decision-making in which their interests are affected. Such level of specificity is in line with the prevailing practice in relation to ensuring the participation of marginalized groups in society.