This study examines Article (33) on “National Implementation and Monitoring” in the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Article 33 is quite groundbreaking as it is the first time an international human rights treaty includes directives on domestic implementation and monitoring frameworks, with the partial exception of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OP-CAT).

This paper aims to shed light on this complex issue by contextualizing the implementation of Article 33 in the Arab region. Using academic literature, UN reports, States Parties’ reports to the CRPD Committee and data collected from disability experts working in Arab governments, it will clarify the requirements and options available to States when developing or strengthening their institutional frameworks and explore how these fit in the Arab regional context. It will also analyze the current institutional setups of Arab governments and look into ways how governments can further improve these setups in line with Article 33.