What is article 29? States Parties shall guarantee to persons with disabilities political rights and the opportunity to enjoy them on an equal basis with others …. Introduction to Art. 29, Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Global-Kontakt Fondacija Global-Kontakt Nikole Tesle 3, Bihac, Bosnia and Hercegovina

What is the convention? Evolution of the Convention The General Assembly of the United Nations established an ad hoc committee to consider proposals for a comprehensive international convention to promote and protect the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities. The committee carried out its work from 2002 to 2006.

13 December 2006 General UN assembly has approved the convention about rights of PWD. 30 March 2007 Convention has been presented for a signing, 81 country signed the basic Convention document.

18 November countries signed the Convention, 74 countries ratified it. 29 July 2009 Bosnia and Herzegovina signed the Convention, awaiting ratification.

Global project Article 29 Aims for linking countries on a continents, starting with Mexico, BiH and Philippines and soon is expected to join Liberia and Sudan. Support for the efforts in defining RESONABLE ACCOMODATION and striving to implementation of goals of Article 29. Linking election commissions, political parties, democracy advocates, media, PWD representatives. Creating a structure for sharing techniques and practical experiences between countries.

Activities in BiH Pilot project of surveying polling stations Setting goals for the 2010 elections.

Activities in Mexico Fall 2007 Observatorio was established By 2008, 4 study trips to California for observing procedures of voting for PWD. Many other achievements including analyzing the election law and conferences.

Activities in the Philippines Summer 2009, MOU with Election commision and NGO-s. 5 goals set for the elections 2010, including fast voting lanes for PWD-s and making access easier to the polling stations. November 2009 national conference about article 29.