Synergies in mechanisms for monitoring the rights of persons with disabilities

Country

Bulgaria

Title

Synergies in mechanisms for monitoring the rights of persons with disabilities

Partners

  • Monitoring Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (Съвет за наблюдение за правата на хората с увреждания)
  • Ombudsman of the Republic of Bulgaria (Омбудсман на Република България)
  • Commission for Protection against Discrimination (Комисия за защита от дискриминация)
  • Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (Българска академия на науките)
  • National Council for Persons with Disabilities (Национален съвет за хората с увреждания)
  • Ministry of Labour and Social Policy (Министерство на труда и социалната политика)

Description

In Bulgaria, the monitoring of the rights of persons with disabilities is implemented using a multilayered and multifaceted structure based on horizontal relations and involving various stakeholders. First, the Monitoring Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (Съвет за наблюдение за правата на хората с увреждания) is the major monitoring mechanism for adherence to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities at the national level. The monitoring council has a four-year mandate and is administered by the national ombudsman and the Commission for Protection against Discrimination (Комисия за защита от дискриминация), which share the presidency on a two-year rotating basis. The council consists of nine members –two representatives each from the ombudsman and the Commission for Protection against Discrimination, four representatives of organisations for persons with disabilities and one academic appointed by the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (Българска академия на науките). Second, the government has established a National Council for Persons with Disabilities (Национален съвет за хората с увреждания) as an advisory body comprised of members from relevant ministries, public bodies and agencies and civil-society organisations. Third, the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy (Министерство на труда и социалната политика) engages in the coordination of the national monitoring mechanisms. It serves as the national focal point for matters relating to the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

DISCLAIMER The information presented here is collected under contract by the FRA's research network FRANET. The information and views contained do not necessarily reflect the views or the official position of the FRA.