EESC adopts opinion on the Disability Strategy
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The European Economic and Social Committee
is an office of the European Union.
It gives advice to the European Union.
The European Union did a plan of what it will do
for people with disabilities in the next 10 years.
The European Economic and Social Committee says now what it thinks about this plan.
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On 22 September, the European Economic and Social Committee unanimously adopted the Opinion on the European Disabilty Strategy 2010-2020. The European Disability Forum was involved in drafting of the document as its President, Yannis Vardakastanis, was the EESC's rapporteur for this opinion.
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On 13 January 2011, the European Commission decided to consult the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) on the European Disability Strategy 2010-2020: A Renewed Commitment to a Barrier-Free Europe. The Strategy provides a framework for the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, ratified by the EU last December. the inclusion of people with disabilities in all aspects of society that should be accessible for all.
The opinion has now been officially adopted during the EESC's September plenary session. In the document the EESC embraces the strategy as a positive step towards the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities calling the EU to develop effective instruments to implement the Convention including the creation of a Disability Committee in the EU. At the same time, the EESC sees the adoption of a European Accessibility Act with strong legislation to ensure that people with disabilities have full and equal access to everything, as the condition for a barrier-free Europe. Last but not least, EESC denounces the impact of economic crisis on the lives of people with disabilities and warns against any cuts in social expenditure.
The opinion also highlights the need for further legal anti-discrimination measures. "The EESC is determined to extend the legal protection of the rights of persons with disabilities beyond the field of employment. Issues relating to disability must always be taken into account when developing and implementing social legislation and policies", read the press statement of
The European Disability Forum and Inclusion Europe welcome the issues highlighted by the EESC and call on the European Commission to react accordingly.
It’s worth-mentioning that on the same day, the EESC also approved the opinion on the Strategy for the Charter of Fundamental Rights to guarantee all the citizens’ rights at both European and national level.
Source: European Disability Forum
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