This Handbook aims to enable parliamentarians and others to understand and approach the rights of persons with disabilities. It describes the rationale for the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the history of its formulation, and its contents by scope and themes. The Handbook includes guidelines on the procedure to become a party to the Convention and an explanation of the mechanism for monitoring the implementation of the Convention and its optional protocol. It provides parliamentarians with guidance on ensuring and promoting the realization of the rights of persons with disabilities through domestic legislation and institutions for implementation and monitoring.