A new journey for disability rights. The European Commission published the Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021-2030

The European Commission has published the Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021-2030. This document outlines proposals and areas of work aiming at improving the living conditions of 100 million persons with disabilities through the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). The new strategy builds on its predecessor, the European Disability Strategy 2010-2020, and contributes to the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights. it recalls the recommendations received by the EU from the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2015.

Some actions in the Strategy are concrete, with a clear timeframe; while other objectives are more aspirational and will need to be further elaborated in the form of an action plan, giving due dates for all actions in order to implement the Strategy fully.

Among others, the ones that need to be highlighted are:

• The recognition of the dreadful situation faced by persons with disabilities due to the COVID-19 pandemic and foreseen actions in supporting the Member States on the deinstitutionalization of persons with disabilities, and strengthened coordination in healthcare reforms at the national level.
• The proposal for an EU-wide Disability Card in 2023 to facilitate the free movement of persons with disabilities.
• The preparation of independent living guidance for the Member States in 2023.
• A quality framework for social services to persons with disabilities in 2024.
• The initiative to increase the employment of persons with disabilities within the EU institutions.
• The commitment to involving organisations of persons with disabilities in the Strategy’s implementation.

Another innovation is the creation of a ‘’disability platform’’, which includes the various authorities that are responsible, both at the national and European level, for the implementation of the Strategy. On the other hand, it requested the creation of a specific unit for coordination at the European level on the issues of the UN Convention on the rights of persons with disabilities.

For further information, we invite you to visit the website of the European Disability Forum.