Would you like to help us prepare a study on UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) monitoring frameworks in the EU? Please apply as soon as possible, and at the latest by 8 December 2024. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Background

The European Disability Forum (EDF) is an independent NGO that defends the interests of 100 million Europeans with disabilities. EDF is a unique platform which brings together representative organisations of persons with disabilities from across Europe. EDF is run by persons with disabilities and their families. EDF is a front runner for disability rights. We are a strong, united voice of persons with disabilities in Europe.

EDF is planning to develop a short study on CRPD monitoring frameworks in the EU. These frameworks are required by article 33.2 of the CRPD to promote, protect, and monitor the implementation of the CRPD. They are intended to operate independently, often (but not always) involving multiple stakeholders, including National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) and organisations of persons with disabilities.

The structure and function of monitoring frameworks are diverse across the EU, reflecting the varied legal, social, and political landscapes of the Member States. While the EU as a whole has ratified the CRPD and committed to its principles, the implementation and effectiveness of monitoring frameworks at the national level can differ significantly. These differences can have profound implications for the protection and promotion of the rights of persons with disabilities within the EU.

The study aims to contribute to a better understanding of how monitoring frameworks function in practice, identify gaps in their operation, and provide recommendations for enhancing their effectiveness.

Objective and expected deliverables of the consultancy

The consultant will collect and analyse information on the composition, role and functioning of the monitoring frameworks in the 27 EU-Member States. The following tasks and deliverables are foreseen:

1. Mapping and analysis of national monitoring frameworks: To research the existing national monitoring frameworks across EU Member States, detailing their members, structures, mandates, and operational mechanisms in line with CRPD Article 33.2. This includes an analysis of the extent to which these frameworks are independent, adequately resourced, and capable of effectively monitoring CRPD implementation.
2. Assessment of effectiveness: To evaluate the effectiveness of monitoring frameworks in promoting and protecting the rights of persons with disabilities. This assessment will consider factors such as the involvement of organisations of persons with disabilities (OPDs), the impact of monitoring activities, and the responsiveness of national authorities to the findings and recommendations of monitoring frameworks.
3. Identification of challenges and best practices: To identify the key challenges faced by monitoring frameworks in the EU, including issues related to funding, independence, stakeholder engagement, and political will to have a strong and efficient monitoring mechanism; as well as a identify best practices that can serve as models for other Member States.

Timeline

• Research should be submitted by early February 2025
• The exact time plan is to be defined with the selected consultant

If you are interested to apply for this consultancy, please:

• Send your CV and letter of interest to marine.uldry@edf-feph.org as soon as possible, and at the latest by 8 December 2024

• In your letter of interest, please indicate:

1. Your experience and knowledge on this topic
2. The number of working days you would foresee (we anticipate around 10 days of work)
3. Your daily rate for consultancy (VAT excluded)
4. Your timeframe for completing the work
5. If you are interested in this consultancy in its entirety or only specific elements