European Disability Rights Strategy 2021-2030
March 3rd 2021 is a landmark date for the European disability movement. 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 ten-year strategy sets out key initiatives around three main themes:
- EU rights: Persons with disabilities have the same right as other EU citizens to move to another country or to participate in political life. Building on the experience of the pilot project ongoing in eight countries, by the end of 2023 the European Commission will propose a European Disability Card for all EU countries that will facilitate mutual recognition of disability status between Member States, helping disabled people enjoy their right of free movement. The Commission will also work closely with Member States to ensure the participation of persons with disabilities in the electoral process in 2023.
- Independent living and autonomy: Persons with disabilities have the right to live independently and choose where and with whom they want to live. To support independent living and inclusion in the community, the Commission will develop guidance and launch an initiative to improve social services for persons with disabilities.
- Non-discrimination and equal opportunities: The strategy aims to protect persons with disabilities from any form of discrimination and violence. It aims to ensure equal opportunities in and access to justice, education, culture, sport and tourism. Equal access must also be guaranteed to all health services and employment.
The new strategy contains an ambitious set of actions and flagship initiatives in various domains and has numerous priorities, such as accessibility: being able to move and reside freely but also to participate in the democratic process; having a decent quality of life and to live independently as it focuses notably on the deinstitutionalization process, social protection and non-discrimination at work; equal participation as it aims to effectively protect persons with disabilities from any form of discrimination and violence; to ensure equal opportunities in and access to justice, education, culture, sport and tourism, and also equal access to all health services and promoting the rights of persons with disabilities globally.
More information:
- EU Commission press corner on the European Disability Strategy 2021-2030
- Download the Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021-2030
- Easy-to-Read version of the Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021 – 2030
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