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At UN Review of Palau, CVIA Advocates for Disability-Inclusive Voting Reforms

  • info44995776
  • Mar 12
  • 2 min read

Updated: Mar 21

Centre for Voters Initiative & Action Board Members Antonia "Nia" Gouvis and Samad Quraishi sit at the United Nations Office in Geneva, Switzerland presenting an NGO report on Palau, focusing on the right for persons with disabilities to participate in the public affairs civic political process, travelling from Washington, D.C. to share the contribution.

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND – At the 32nd Session of the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, held at Palais des Nations in international Geneva, the Centre advocated for increased measures to improve the civic participation for persons with disabilities. The Centre’s contributions fell under the scope of Article 29 in the Convention for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, guaranteeing that “persons with disabilities can effectively and fully participate in political and public life”.  


During the review of Palau, the Centre was concerned with systemic barriers to civic participation for persons with disabilities. Many polling stations lacked ramps, tactile markers, and seating accommodations, with reports of disabled voters being physically carried inside due to the absence of infrastructure. Additionally, there were no accessible transportation services on election days, limiting civic engagement for persons with disabilities. 


Additionally, certain laws in Palau stifle voter engagement for disabled persons. At a briefing, Mr. Samad QURAISHI noted that whilst Palau's Voting Rights Act of 1981 (Title 23 § 1964) allows all citizens to vote, it is contradicted by Article VII § 2 of Palau's Constitution which prevents a citizen who is deemed “mentally incompetent” from voting. Full realisation of political rights for Palau civil society is hindered by the domestic legal frameworks. 


We are pleased the Committee took measures to address our contributions. Christopher NWANORO, Committee Vice-Chairperson from Nigeria, pressed Palau that if “their law said persons with mental and intellectual disabilities were not allowed to participate in elections, including voting, how accessible could the environment” truly be? 


The Palau government responded to enquiries that voting for disabled persons had to be done in proxy, meaning voting was no longer private, undermining core principles of voting. This is of deep concern to the Centre; however, we are glad it has been addressed, and the government has noted they are “working to address this”.  


Read the Centre's report on Palau here.

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