The delayed ratification of the convention of the rights of persons with disabilities by the government of Timor-Leste

Abstract

Even though Timor-Leste has already ratified seven Human Rights Conventions, there are pressures from international and national bodies for Timor-Leste to ratify the pending convention of the International Convention Enforced Disappearance and Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). International and national pressure to ratify comes from UN mechanisms such as the Universal Periodic Review and Special Rapporteurs’ reports. Pressure also comes from national stakeholders such as the National Human Rights Institutions and National NGOs, which recommended ratification through shadow reports to the UPR and to treaty body mechanisms. This research investigates why the Government of Timor-Leste delays the ratification of the CRPD using a qualitative research approach involving two steps of data collection with primary data from interviews of different stakeholders and desk research of available reports from UN, NGOs, and State institutions. This research investigates the political dynamics, the challenges faced, and power relations between State institutions to identify the reasons and challenges facing the Government of Timor-Leste in ratifying the convention. The main findings from the field study show that all the stakeholders, including State institutions, are committed to ratifying the CRPD soon. Furthermore, interviews conducted in the field with key persons from different institutions including State institutions, show that the Government of Timor-Leste is committed to ratifying the CRPD. However, the government still needs to demonstrate its commitment. Some efforts have been made as part of the preparation for ratification such as establishing the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities and the development of the National Action Plan for Persons with Disabilities. The main reason regarding the delayed ratification of CRPD by the Government is that though there is intention to ratify the CRPD the Government still needs to create an adequate standard of infrastructure. In particular, the principle of "accessibility" for Persons with Disabilities needs to be met before the ratification to ensure Persons with Disabilities are able to enjoy their human rights. IMPLICATION OF THE THESIS. The implications of this research can be beneficial for the government of Timor-Leste to ratify the CRPD for the best interest of Persons with Disabilities