Kingdom of Tonga Ratifies UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

The Kingdom of Tonga has ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), marking an important milestone for people with disabilities both in Tonga and across the Pacific region. The ratification document was submitted to the UN Secretary-General on September 4, 2026.

According to Article 45 of the Convention and confirmation from the UN depositary, the agreement will enter into force for Tonga on October 4, 2026. The International Disability Alliance (IDA) congratulated His Majesty King Tupou VI, Her Majesty Queen Nanasipauʻu, and the royal family of Tonga.

IDA expressed gratitude and congratulations to His Royal Highness Crown Prince Tupoutoʻa ʻUlukalala, who is also Minister for the Diplomatic Service and Minister of Defence, Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua, the Cabinet of Tonga, the Speaker and members of the Legislative Assembly, as well as the entire people of the Kingdom.

Special recognition was given to the Minister of Internal Affairs, Employment, Women’s Affairs, Social Protection, Youth and Sports, the Honourable Fane Fotu Fitu, as well as the Ministry of Internal Affairs and its department for Social Protection and Disability, which acts as the coordinator on disability inclusion within government policy. This outcome was achieved through years of work and support from various governments.

IDA acknowledged the contributions of current and former ministers, organizations of persons with disabilities, parliamentarians, public servants, as well as religious and traditional leaders, civil society, and international partners who jointly created the foundation for this national commitment.

The International Disability Alliance highlighted the sustained activism, courage, and leadership of persons with disabilities in Tonga and their organizations. Special thanks were expressed to the Lavame’a Ta’e’iloa Disabled People Association Incorporated (LATA) and other similar organizations that help keep the rights, voices, and aspirations of persons with disabilities at the forefront of public attention.

Also noted was the important role of the Pacific Disability Forum (PDF), of which LATA is a member. This forum strengthens the disability rights movement in Tonga and supports ratification efforts with regard to the Pacific region. IDA participated in this process at the request of disability organizations in Tonga, collaborating with LATA and PDF, and intends to expand cooperation in the transition from ratification to implementation starting October 2026.

IDA President Dr. Nauf Kabbarah, speaking on behalf of the organization and the global disability rights movement, congratulated King Tupou VI, Queen Nanasipauʻu, the royal family, government, and all people of Tonga, as well as disability organizations including LATA, whose activism and persistence contributed to this achievement.

Ratification marks the beginning of a new stage. The International Disability Alliance is ready to collaborate with disability organizations in Tonga, the government, and society to translate the provisions of the Convention into concrete improvements in the lives of persons with disabilities in the country.

Further work will build on Tonga’s National Disability Inclusive Development Policy for 2025–2035, the social protection frameworks, and the Department of Social Protection and Disability. Implementation should cover all regions of the country - from Tongatapu to Vavaʻu, Haʻapai, ʻEua, and Niuas - taking into account the living conditions of persons with disabilities in rural, remote, and island communities.

Churches, schools, medical services, local administrative and traditional leaders, as well as civil society organizations, are expected to help disseminate information about the Convention in accessible and culturally adapted formats.

Implementation of the Convention’s norms should be based on traditional Tongan values of respect, service, faith, family, community, and collective responsibility, while recognizing persons with disabilities as equal participants in social life and rights holders. Observance of Articles 4(3) and 33(3) of the Convention requires active participation and consultation with organizations of persons with disabilities on all matters of execution.

Special attention needs to be given to women and children with disabilities, older persons, the deaf, persons with intellectual or psychosocial impairments, people with multiple disabilities, and residents of remote islands. Organizations of persons with disabilities must play a key role in setting priorities, raising awareness, reviewing legislation and budgets, creating inclusive services, as well as monitoring Convention implementation and preparing reports for the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

IDA noted the reservations and declarations accompanying Tonga’s ratification related to legal capacity, sexual and reproductive health, and political participation. These open up opportunities for respectful, informed, and inclusive national dialogue on these topics.

The organization anticipates constructive engagement with the government and disability organizations in Tonga to fully realize all provisions of the Convention and ensure equal rights for all persons with disabilities. IDA plans to support the implementation process based on the leading role of disability organizations.

Tonga’s ratification demonstrates the results achievable through joint work of national leadership, the disability movement, and international partners united by a common goal. IDA expresses solidarity with the people of Tonga in this new stage and thanks the country for this important step.