Strengthening human rights leadership: Lithuania‘s nominee Dovilė Juodkaitė for the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

Lithuania has long been a consistent advocate for the protection and advancement of universal and indivisible human rights. At the heart of this commitment is the empowerment of persons with disabilities and the promotion of their full participation and self-representation, including through the effective implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Committed to effective multilateralism and a rules-based international order, with the UN Charter and its fundamental principles at its core, Lithuania continues to strengthen its engagement in international organizations by nominating highly qualified, principled, and experienced candidates to United Nations bodies.Lithuania proudly presents the candidature of Ms Dovilė Juodkaitė to the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities for the term 2027-2030. A distinguished human rights advocate, Ms Juodkaitė brings extensive expertise and a strong commitment to advancing equality, dignity, and inclusion for persons with disabilities.

"I believe in the Convention as a living human rights instrument - one that protects dignity, autonomy, and equality in practice, not only on paper," Ms Juodkaitė states.

With more than two decades of professional experience, Ms Juodkaitė has dedicated her career to advancing the rights of persons with disabilities at national, regional, and international levels. She has worked extensively across civil society and public institutions, contributing to the implementation of international human rights standards, including the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Her work reflects a strong commitment to social justice and inclusive participation, supported by leadership roles in key organizations and engagement with international human rights mechanisms.

With her extensive experience, principled leadership, and proven commitment to the rights of persons with disabilities, Ms Juodkaitė would be a significant contributor to the Committee's work and to strengthening the CRPD system worldwide.

Lithuania invites all States Parties to support Ms Juodkaitė's candidature to the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities for the term 2027-2030. The elections will take place in June 2026, during the 19th session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention, in New York.