The CRPD Committee is responsible for monitoring the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), ensuring accessibility, equal participation, and communication for persons with disabilities. However, during its 32nd session, a serious violations of these principles emerged.

Summary of violations:

1. CRPD's 32nd Session: UNOG failed to provide CRPD Member Mr Tamon with sign language interpretation in his chosen language during official sessions and informal interactions. Mr. Tamon had to arrange and cover interpreters himself, with support from external organisations, which is unacceptable, as UNOG should be responsible for this provision.


2. Dominican Republic Country Review: On March 4, the government of the Dominican Republic provided national sign language interpreters via Zoom for their country review. However, on March 5, UNOG informed them they would be financially responsible for using the Zoom platform, forcing them to withdraw the interpreters. The second part of the dialogue proceeded without national sign language interpretation, undermining accessibility principles.


3. UN TV Screen: The UN has stopped including national sign language interpreters on the UN TV screen, as noted by CRPD Members.

The WFD strongly condemns these accessibility violations and setbacks. The situation of CRPD Member Mr Tamon and the barriers faced by the Government of the Dominican Republic are clear examples of systemic failures in upholding the rights of deaf individuals at the UN. The financial crisis must not be used as justification to hinder the exercise of human rights and leave deaf people behind. The United Nations must model compliance with the UNCRPD.

Call to Action:

1. Ensure Mr. Hiroshi Tamon has full access to all CRPD Committee meetings and informal discussions through the provision of national sign language interpretation of his choice.


2. Guarantee that all UN proceedings provide sign language interpretation in both national sign languages and International Sign when requested.


3. Eliminate barriers preventing UN Member States from ensuring sign language accessibility during their country reviews.


4. Engage in direct discussions with WFD, IDA, and WASLI to develop a sustainable and CRPD-compliant accessibility framework for deaf participants in any UN processes.

The UNCRPD Committee and the WFD will continue advocating until full access is ensured. Deaf individuals must not be left behind in the international human rights system.