I joined the Malawian delegation of disability rights organisations this month to observe as they challenged their Government at the UN in Geneva on implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Speaking individually to delegates, I came to understand the importance of these types of mechanisms to hold countries to account on their work around human rights and I heard first-hand the situation for people with disabilities living in Malawi and the types of barriers they are currently facing. This was my first time observing an open session as a neutral participant and I found it extremely useful and insightful for my own learning and work in this space globally. It was around 30 degrees at the time, so I managed to fit some post work day trips to Bains des Paquis for some much needed cool swimming, surrounded by swans and with the Jet d’Eau in the background.
