Task Force on accessibility for persons with disabilities
Mandate of the Task Force
The Task Force on accessibility for persons with disabilities, as well as secretariat services and the use of information technology was established pursuant to paragraph 61 of Human Rights Council resolution 16/21 with a mandate to study the issues contained in paragraphs 57-60.
The work of the Task Force has evolved over time, as various Task Force recommendations have been implemented and with changes to the Council’s methods of work. Currently, the workstream on the use of technology is led by separate State co-facilitators appointed by the President of the Council.
Composition of the Task Force
For 2026, the Chair of the Task Force is H.E Mr. Tsegab Kebebew Daka, Vice-President of the Council and Permanent Representative of Ethiopia to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva.
The Task Force is composed of the Bureau of the Human Rights Council and representatives of OHCHR (HRC Secretariat) and UNOG (disability inclusion leads). Representatives of States and other stakeholders also contribute to the work of the Task Force.
The focal point in the Secretariat for the Task Force on accessibility can be contacted by email at: ohchr-hrcouncil@un.org
Methods of work
The Task Force holds consultations with States, NGOs, UN agencies and other relevant stakeholders, to inform its work to promote equality and inclusion and to enhance accessibility for persons with disabilities at the Council and its work, in accordance with international standards.
The Task Force has an accessibility plan, with four priority areas: physical accessibility at UNOG, accessibility of the work of the Council and its mechanisms, accessible information and communication technology, and funding accessibility measures. An evaluation of the accessibility plan was completed in 2024. The Task Force continues to take progressive actions to advance the priority areas as well as on other emerging issues.
Recent activities
The Task Force’s last public meeting was on 4 September 2025, where a briefing was provided by the Chair of the Task Force as well as the UNOG Director of Administration and Focal Point for disability inclusion. Related documents can be found below.
The Chair of the Task Force provided an oral update to the Council, in line with Council resolution 55/8, at the Organizational Session on 8 December 2025.
Related documents
- Presentation by UNOG for the Task Force meeting (2025)
- Letter from the Chair of the Task Force (2025)
- Evaluation of the accessibility plan (2024)
- Accessibility guide to the Human Rights Council (2018)
- Task Force accessibility plan (2017)
- Status of implementation of Task Force recommendations (A/HRC/23/CRP.2) (2013)
- Letter from the President on enhancing accessibility (2013)
- Progress report of the Task Force (A/HRC/21/CRP.1) (2012)
- Council decision 19/119 on the Task Force (A/HRC/DEC/19/119) (2012)
- Review of the work and functioning of the Human Rights Council (A/HRC/RES/16/21) (2011)
- Accessibility guide to the Human Rights Council (2018)