MEPs discuss disability rights at UN conference in New York 

Press Releases 
 
 

From 13 to 15 June, a delegation of MEPs will participate in the 16th Session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (COSP16).

During their three-day visit to United Nations Headquarters in New York City, the group of MEPs led by Dragos Pîslaru (the Chair of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs) will hear from NGOs and other key stakeholders, participate in round-tables and debates related to the global implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD), and discuss, in thematic sessions, current issues such as digital accessibility and the development of skills for employment. The EP will co-organise a side event that will look into innovative parliamentary policies and structures to advance the rights for persons with disabilities.

The EP delegation, which also includes MEPs from the Petitions and Civil Liberties Committees, will meet with the leadership of the International Disability Alliance; Mr Craig Mokhiber, the Director in the New York Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights; UN Under Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs Mr Li Junhua; the CRPD Committee Rapporteur on the Report on the EU, expected for 2024/2025, Markus Schefer; and Ms Ruyendrini Menikidwela, Director of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees office in New York.


Participating MEPs


Dragos Pîslaru (Renew, RO - Head of Delegation)

Abir Al-Sahlani (Renew, SE)

Katrin Langensiepen (Greens/EFA, DE)

Janina Ochojska (EPP, PL)

Maria Grapini (S&D, RO)

Rosa Estaràs Ferragut (EPP, ES)

Cristina Maestre Martin de Almagro (S&D, ES)


You can follow the public conference meetings live via webstream here.