European Union Must Step Up on Disability Rights Responsibilities

Strategic Insights -

The United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities has conducted an evaluation of the European Union's progress on disability rights. While progress has been made, the European Union is urged to take concrete actions to advance the rights of persons with disabilities. The European Disability Forum, in collaboration with the Committee, has identified three priority actions to improve disability rights, including the adoption of specific actions and measures for the implementation of the Disability Rights Strategy.

Key Takeaways:

  • The European Union has the responsibility to enact laws and policies to advance the rights of persons with disabilities, as ratified by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2010.
  • The European Disability Forum welcomes the Committee's support of demands for the adoption of "new specific actions, measures, and time frames for the implementation of the Disability Rights Strategy for the period 2025-2030".
  • The European Union must strengthen the upcoming EU Budget to prioritize funding for accessible and affordable housing for persons with disabilities.
  • The Committee has called for a comprehensive review of EU legislation, policies, and practices to ensure their compatibility with the Convention.
  • The European Disability Forum highlights the calls for the revision of existing laws and policies, including the adoption of legislation on accessibility of the built environment and urban transport.
  • The Forum urges Member States to replace substitute decision-making regimes with supported decision-making systems that respect the will and preference of persons with disabilities.
  • A comprehensive Disability Action Plan for EU external action and a cross-institutional strategy for disability inclusion are also recommended.

Statistics:

  • 2010: The European Union ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
  • 2025-2030: The proposed period for the implementation of the Disability Rights Strategy.
  • Paragraph 13 of the Concluding Observations: The Committee's support for the European Disability Forum's demands for new specific actions, measures, and time frames.
  • Paragraphs 49b and 66c: The Committee's calls for no EU funding to be used for the construction or maintenance of institutional facilities and prioritization of funding for accessible and affordable housing.

Sources:

  • United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Concluding Observations on the European Union.
  • European Disability Forum News Release: "EU institutions must step up on disability rights responsibilities".