3 March 2026
The United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD Committee) monitors how countries implement the UNCRPD. The Committee also provides recommendations to improve the rights of persons with disabilities.
Civil society organisations play a key role in this process, providing information, reporting gaps, and advocating for better access to healthcare, education, and social inclusion.
National Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus (SBH) Associations are important partners in monitoring the UNCRPD. If your country is listed in the sessions below, it is strongly encouraged to participate in the UN reporting cycle.
To support its Members, IF has prepared an information package for SBH Associations, individuals with SBH and families, explaining how to engage with the UNCRPD process.
2026 Calendar of the CRPD Committee
3 March to 21 March 2026
34th Session – State Reviews
The Committee will review how the Convention is implemented in the following countries:
- Lesotho
- Liberia
- Marshall Islands
- Pakistan
- Samoa
What happens during the session:
- The Committee examines government reports and holds dialogues with State delegations.
- Representatives from organisations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) provide first-hand information about the situation on the ground.
- At the end of the session, the Committee publishes Concluding Observations (expected around 30 March 2026) with recommendations for each country.
30 March to 2 April 2026
21st Pre-Sessional Working Group – Lists of Issues
During this meeting, the Committee will carry out three key activities:
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Draft and adopt Lists of Issues for:
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Chad, Eswatini, Micronesia (Federated States of), Philippines, Zimbabwe
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Review and consider Lists of Issues already under consideration or drafted for:
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Chad, Colombia, Eswatini, Iceland, Ireland, Micronesia (Federated States of), Philippines, Trinidad and Tobago
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Prepare and adopt List of Issues Prior to Reporting for:
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Cyprus, Luxembourg, Jordan, United Republic of Tanzania
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Purpose:
- List of Issues are questions governments must answer before their next review.
- Civil society organisations can submit information to highlight priority issues affecting persons with disabilities.
- For countries with existing Lists of Issues, the Committee will examine previous submissions and prepare governments for their upcoming review dialogues.
27 July to 21 August 2026
35th Session – State Reviews
The Committee will review:
- Chile
- Czech Republic
- Lithuania
- Qatar
- Slovakia
- Sri Lanka
28 to 31 August 2026
22nd Pre-Sessional Working Group – Adoption of Lists of Issues
Countries included:
- Burundi
- Ethiopia
- Gabon
- Guinea
- Kyrgyzstan
- Latvia
- Romania
- San Marino
Why Participation Matters
The UNCRPD reporting cycle is an opportunity for organisations of persons with disabilities to:
- Share their expertise and lived experiences
- Highlight challenges faced by their communities
- Advocate for better access to healthcare, education, and social inclusion
National SBH Associations can contribute by:
- Submitting shadow reports or written submissions before the session to provide a full picture of disability rights in their country
- Participating in consultations with the Committee to highlight barriers and suggest improvements
IF Information Package
To help its Members participate, IF has prepared an Information Package on the UNCRPD, which includes:
- The full UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
- Guidance on monitoring implementation of the UNCRPD
- An overview of IF’s work for the global SBH community
- How SBH Associations and individuals can participate in the reporting cycle
- Useful links for further information
Download the IF Information Package here.
✅ Summary – Key Actions for SBH Associations in 2026
- Check your country’s schedule : Find out if your country is up for review in 2026 on the UN CRPD website.
- Share information with the Committee : Submit shadow reports, written submissions, or input during consultations to highlight challenges and priorities.
- Use IF guidance : The IF UNCRPD Information Package explains the process and how your association or members can contribute.
- For questions or support, contact IF at info@ifglobal.org
By actively participating, SBH Associations help ensure that the voices of persons with SBH and families are heard, and that disability rights are effectively implemented in their countries.
