Disabilities

European Parliament organizes its first Disability Rights Week

Published

5 months ago

November 28, 2023

From 27 November to 4 December, the Week aims to raise awareness and enhance the public debate to ensure all people with disabilities can exercise their rights.

Organised around the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3 December, the Disability Rights Week will see several parliamentary committees voting, debating and holding events regarding disability policies.

Among the many events, the Development Committee will discuss access to education and training in developing countries on Tuesday. On Wednesday, the Petitions Committee will hold its annual workshop on the rights of persons of disabilities. On Thursday, the Transport Committee will discuss barriers in the fields of transport and tourism, while the Human Rights Subcommittee will debate the rights of persons with disabilities in conflict and post-conflict situations.

The Employment and Social Affairs Committee will hold several events, including an exchange of views on the European Disability Card and European Parking Card. On Wednesday afternoon, there will be a joint hearing with the Women’s Rights and Gender Equality Committee on “Harmful practices in the EU towards women and girls with disabilities”. A meeting with members of national parliaments on the participation of people with disabilities in the electoral process is also planned for 4 December.

For a number of events, sign language will be provided.

Dragoș Pîslaru, chairman of the Employment and Social Affairs Committee, said: “Europeans with a disability must be able to enjoy the human rights and fundamental freedoms granted to them under the UN CRPD and fully participate in the civil, political, economic, social and cultural life of their communities. Next week, we will discuss this with several parties and with organisations representing persons with disabilities, following the core principle ‘Nothing about us without us’."

Katrin Langensiepen, chairwoman of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) network, said: “Persons with disabilities are equal citizens and must be treated as such. Next week, we are showing our commitment to end ableism and discrimination. From employment to mobility, the EU must implement the UN Convention we signed over 10 years ago. Recently, this house has been pushing for important projects such as the EU Disability Card. Together we have to make sure that the future is accessible.”

Background

The Disability Rights Week is the annual focal point of year-round activities to ensure that all persons with all types of disabilities can live an independent life and be fully integrated into society.

The European Parliament Bureau (comprising the President, Vice-Presidents and Quaestors) is committed to supporting continuous improvements in the internal functioning of the EP. Parliament is committed to offering all users, whether MEPs, staff or visitors, an accessible physical environment and the independent use of all buildings. In recent years several measures have improved accessibility for persons with disabilities and new projects to renovate buildings must ensure full accessibility.

Parliament’s digital accessibility has improved over the last few years, aiming to ensure that digital content, such as websites, applications, documents, and multimedia are developed to allow for equal access and usability for everyone, including people with a disability. Parliament is also keen on leading by example and becoming a more inclusive employer by hiring more persons with disabilities, including trainees, through positive action programmes.

By implementing these actions, Parliament is actively working towards enhancing digital accessibility, fostering inclusivity, and fulfilling its obligations as a signatory of the UN CPRD.