Thank you Mr. President,

I would like to commend the distinguished panellists for their valuable presentations at this panel on maybe one of the most important articles of the International Convention on the Rights of the Persons with Disabilities.

As a confirmation of the importance it attributes to improving the human rights of persons with disabilities, Turkey was among the first countries to have signed the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and ratified it in due process.

The Optional Protocol to the Convention is also signed by Turkey and it is my honour to inform you that its ratification has been approved by the Turkish Grand National Assembly. We expect to have the Optional Protocol ratified shortly with the completion of the final steps in the process.

As far as the reflection of the Convention at the national level is concerned, in line with its international obligations, Turkey is committed to supporting the full and effective participation of persons with disabilities in social life; advancing their rights; protecting their dignity; and promoting their access to employment, education, goods and services.

In order to achieve these objectives, Turkey has launched numerous protective and supportive measures with a rights-based approach, in the framework of its national legislation and international standards.

With the establishment of the Human Rights Institution and the Ombudsman, new institutions have been created for the further protection and promotion of human rights, including the rights of persons with disabilities. Both institutions are open for applications to be made by persons with disabilities claiming a violation of rights.

The Committee on Monitoring and Evaluation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which is constituted of all relevant and responsible public institutions and civil society organizations, was established in 2013.

Last but not least, there is an absolute need for adoption and implementation of disability-inclusive national development strategies and efforts with disability-targeted actions. Hence,


Turkey's latest national development plan for the period 2014-2018 includes disability issues more comprehensively. Likewise, the Ministry of Family and Social Policies recently conducted the “Project for Supporting the Implementation and Monitoring of the CRPD” comprising the period of 2013–2014.

On a final note, I would like to reiterate that Turkey is determined to strengthen the status of the persons with disability in the society and advance their rights. Our efforts in this regard will continue.

I thank you Mr. President.

HRC 28th Session

Intervention by Turkey

10 March 2015