Lithuania presented its candidate for the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in New York
During the 18th session of the Conference of States Parties to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), held in New York, the international community was introduced to Dovilė Juodkaitė—Lithuania’s candidate for the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
The elections to the committee will take place next year. Dovilė Juodkaitė is running for the 2027–2030 term, seeking to be elected as one of the 18 experts with high-level competence in the field of human rights and disability.
Ms. Juodkaitė is a qualified lawyer specializing in mental health and human rights. She has many years of experience working in non-governmental organizations, representing and advocating for people with disabilities both nationally and internationally. Since 2013, she has led the Lithuanian Disability Forum.
According to Juodkaitė, persons with disabilities continue to face significant inequality, and their rights to live and access services in the community and to education, work, and meaningful participation in society are still not adequately ensured. While progress is being made, critical areas still require focused attention—including the situation of women and girls with disabilities, the heightened risk of neglect and harm in emergencies and humanitarian crises, and ensuring equality and access to justice.
“For more than 20 years, I have worked alongside the disability community to promote inclusion and equal rights. My mission is to raise these issues and, together with the community, drive change to ensure fundamental human rights for all persons with disabilities. By standing for election, I aim to carry this mission further—through the UN mandate, I want to elevate disability rights on the international agenda, encourage governments to take responsibility, and ensure that inclusion, equality, and dignity are not just stated but truly realized,” said Juodkaitė.
While presenting Ms. Juodkaitė’s candidacy and opening the exhibition “Motherhood and Disability” at the UN Headquarters, Vice-Minister of Social Security and Labour Eitvydas Bingelis emphasized:
“This nomination to the UN CRPD Committee is a significant step for Lithuania in contributing actively to the global human rights protection system. Dovilė Juodkaitė’s experience and commitment to human rights can meaningfully support the implementation and monitoring of the Convention.”
The exhibition “Motherhood and Disability,” prepared by the Lithuanian Disability Forum, highlights the experiences, challenges, and strengths of mothers with disabilities. It sends a strong message to the international community about the importance of full inclusion and support for all mothers, regardless of disability.
A side event was also organized on this topic, where candidate Dovilė Juodkaitė participated alongside international representatives, experts, and human rights defenders. The discussion focused on the practical challenges faced by mothers with disabilities and showcased good practices in policy and service provision that uphold their rights and dignity. The event underscored the importance of including the voices of women with disabilities in decision-making processes at both national and international levels.
The UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is a body of independent experts that regularly reviews state party reports on the implementation of the CRPD and provides recommendations. Lithuania has previously had a successful representative on the committee — Jonas Ruškus.
This new candidacy reflects Lithuania’s continued commitment to promoting the rights and social inclusion of persons with disabilities at the global level.
Last updated: 21-07-2025
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