Human Rights and disability: equal rights for all

It is estimated that 80 to 120 million Europeans are persons with disabilities, that is 10 to 15% of the total population of the Council of Europe member states. For too long policies concerning persons with disabilities have been focused on institutional care, medical rehabilitation and welfare benefits. Such policies build on the premise that persons with disabilities are merely objects of welfare policies, rather than subjects able and entitled to be active citizens.

Over the last few decades a shift in thinking has taken place. It is no longer correct to view persons with disabilities as merely objects of concern. They are citizens with equal rights and have an active role to play in our societies.

The challenge is to put this shift in thinking fully into practice. In reality, persons with disabilities are still discriminated against all over Europe and globally. Children with disabilities are denied their educational rights because schools are not equipped to meet their needs. Job opportunities are limited due to discriminatory practices and inaccessible workplaces, making people dependent on social benefits. Flawed systems of guardianship prevent people from making choices and having control over their lives. Several Council of Europe member states still hesitate to close down residential institutions and develop community-based services for persons with disabilities arguing that institutional care is necessary for persons with multiple or “profound” disabilities.

Abstract:

This paper outlines the international human rights framework for the protection of persons with disabilities. It gives a brief description of the situation focusing on key issues for persons with disabilities: the fight against discrimination; the move from institutional care to community living and the right to take decisions about one’s personal affairs. This is followed by an overview of measures to create open and accessible societies, with action plans as the working method, and the importance of involving persons with disabilities in the process. It concludes with a set of recommendations to member states.