Nothing about us without us ALL: effective co-design with people with disability in all our diversity (COSP19 Side Event)

Article 4(3) of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) requires States Parties to closely consult with and actively involve people with disability in developing laws and policies that implement the CRPD. In practice, this is commonly referred to as 'co-design'.

This side event will examine what effective co-design looks like in action and how inclusive participation can be ensured for all people with disability. It will address civic engagement, leadership and intersectionality, fitting with COSP19's third sub-theme concerning civic engagement and leadership.

COSP19 will focus on celebrating COSP's achievements over the past 20 years and shaping the next phase of implementation. During the past 20 years, the concept of 'intersectionality' garnered increased attention in human rights circles. We now better understand how overlapping and interacting systems of discrimination and inequality shape the barriers that many people with disability face in realising their rights under the CRPD.

How can we ensure that the 'next phase' of CRPD implementation works for people with disability? The key is to ensure that co-design is effective and inclusive of people with disability who are most marginalised and impacted by overlapping systems of discrimination and inequality.