A/RES/56/168 Recognizing that, despite different efforts made to increase cooperation and integration and increasing awareness of and sensitivity to disability issues since the adoption of the World Programme of Action by Governments, bodies and relevant organizations of the United Nations system and non-governmental organizations, these efforts have not been sufficient to promote full and effective participation by and opportunities for persons with disabilities in economic, social, cultural and political life, Encouraged by the increasing interest of the international community in the promotion and protection of the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities in the world under a comprehensive and integral approach, Deeply concerned about the disadvantaged and vulnerable situation faced by 600 million persons with disabilities around the world, and conscious of the need to advance in the elaboration of an international instrument, Looking forward to the final reports of the Special Rapporteur on disability of the Commission for Social Development to be presented to that Commission, and also the outcome of the study currently being undertaken pursuant to Commission on Human Rights resolution 2000/51 of 25 April 2000 3 on the adequacy of instruments in respect of the protection and monitoring of the human rights of persons with disabilities, Taking into account the recommendation of the World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance, held in Durban, South Africa, from 31 August to 8 September 2001, to the General Assembly to consider elaborating a comprehensive and integral international convention to promote and protect the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities, including special provisions that address the discriminatory practices and treatment that affect them, 4 1. Decides to establish an Ad Hoc Committee, open to the participation of all Member States and observers of the United Nations, to consider proposals for a comprehensive and integral international convention to promote and protect the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities, based on the holistic approach in the work done in the fields of social development, human rights and non-discrimination and taking into account the recommendations of the Commission on Human Rights and the Commission for Social Development; 2. Also decides that, prior to the fifty-seventh session of the General Assembly the Ad Hoc Committee shall hold at least one meeting of a duration of ten working days; 3. Invites States, relevant bodies and organizations of the United Nations system, including relevant human rights treaty bodies, the regional commissions, the Special Rapporteur on disability of the Commission for Social Development, as well as intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations with an interest in the matter to make contributions to the work entrusted to the Ad Hoc Committee, based on the practice of the United Nations; 4. Requests the Secretary-General, with the support of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Division for Social _______________ 3 See Official Records of the Economic and Social Council, 2000, Supplement No. 3 and corrigendum (E/2000/23 and Corr.1), chap. II, sect. A. 4 See A/CONF.189/12, chap. I, para. 180. 2