Symposium on Implementing Disability Rights Across the Commonwealth
St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda
5 November 2026
The Commonwealth Disabled People’s Forum, Commonwealth Secretariat and the Government of Antigua and Barbuda are organising a 1-day Symposium on Implementing Disability Rights across the Commonwealth, to be convened on Thursday, 5th November, the day after CHOGM officially concludes. The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, Independent Forum of Commonwealth Organisations and Commonwealth Sport are supporting partners.
The overarching objective of the Symposium is to raise awareness about the Commonwealth Disability Inclusion Action Plan, highlight its importance to the Commonwealth, and advance its implementation. Other objectives include deepening understanding of the relationship between the DIAP and UNCRPD; sharing experiences, expertise and good practices on promoting and protecting disabled people’s rights; enhancing collaboration between governments and disable people’s organisations; and advocating for disabled people’s rights across the Commonwealth.
Following a high-level opening, the Symposium will include three key sessions on legal and policy frameworks; perspectives of the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; reasonable accommodations with a focus on education, employment and political processes. The event will close with a plenary considering the way forward for the Commonwealth Disability Inclusion Action Plan. A reception will follow the Symposium.
To ensure diverse perspectives are shared throughout the Symposium, gender parity, a youth focus and inclusion of the broadest possible range of impairments will be maintained across speakers, facilitators, and participants.
Speakers currently confirmed include: Carla Qualtrough, Former Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion (Canada); Kerryann Ifill, Human Rights Commission (Barbados) and Hon. Edmund Hinkson, Member of Parliament (Barbados); Dr Floyd Morris, Member of the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Former Senator (Jamaica); Dr Sruti Mohapatra, Founder and Secretary, Swabhiman (India); Sarah Kamau, United Disabled Persons of Kenya and Chair, Commonwealth Disabled People’s Forum (Kenya); Richard Rieser, General Secretary, Commonwealth Disabled People’s Forum (United Kingdom).