South Africa Urges Faster Action on Disability Rights at UN Conference

Chikunga reflected on South Africa’s role in helping draft the CRPD and its Optional Protocol in 2002 before ratifying both instruments in 2007.

Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, has urged countries around the world to speed up the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and ensure that organisations representing persons with disabilities play a meaningful role in decision-making processes.

Speaking at the 19th Session of the Conference of States Parties (COSP19) to the CRPD at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, Chikunga reaffirmed South Africa's commitment to advancing the rights of persons with disabilities and promoting their full participation across society.

South Africa Highlights Progress and New Initiatives

Chikunga reflected on South Africa's role in helping draft the CRPD and its Optional Protocol in 2002 before ratifying both instruments in 2007. She noted that the country strengthened its commitment through the adoption of the White Paper on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2015, which serves as a framework for disability inclusion.

The policy focuses on several areas, including removing barriers that limit access and participation, supporting integrated community living, and reducing economic vulnerability among persons with disabilities.

"Disability inclusion is a constitutional imperative," Chikunga said, stressing that the issue should remain central to government planning and development efforts.

The Minister also outlined several projects aimed at improving inclusion, including a Disability-Inclusive Service Delivery Monitoring Tool, the Disability Inequality Index, and a research initiative examining the impact of climate change on persons with disabilities.

She highlighted Disability Rights Awareness Month, observed annually from 3 November to 3 December, and pointed to disability inclusion as one of the focus areas during South Africa's G20 Presidency.

Employment, Technology and Climate Action in Focus

Government is working towards a target of 5% employment equity for persons with disabilities in the public service while aiming to ensure that 7% of public procurement opportunities are disability-inclusive by 2026.

Chikunga also stressed the need to improve digital accessibility and expand access to assistive technologies, artificial intelligence tools and accessible public information systems. These measures, she said, are essential for building a more inclusive society and creating equal opportunities.

South Africa is also advancing disability-inclusive approaches to climate change adaptation, disaster risk reduction and humanitarian responses in line with international commitments.

As part of the country's G20 legacy projects, government is developing a Disability Inclusion Nerve Centre of Excellence. The initiative is expected to strengthen planning, improve resource allocation and support better monitoring of disability inclusion programmes.

Held from 9 to 11 June 2026 under the theme "CRPD at 20: Celebrating and consolidating achievements and shaping the next phase of implementation in a changing world," COSP19 is bringing together governments and stakeholders to discuss ways to strengthen disability rights globally.

Key discussions at the conference are focusing on preventing exploitation, violence and abuse, improving care and support systems that promote independence, and expanding opportunities for civic participation and leadership among persons with disabilities.