The European Disability Forum (EDF) has called for the European Parliament to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on residential settings, highlighting how the pandemic has highlighted shortcomings and structural problems within both EU and national policies in relation to persons with disabilities.
During a public hearing organisaed by the European Parliament’s Employment and Social Affairs, and Civil Liberties Committees, EDF President Yannis Vardakastanis set out a number of asks to better protect and promote the rights of persons with disabilities:
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A Parliamentary investigation into the numerous cases of discrimination and human rights violations in residential institutions across the EU
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A strong commitment to support the right to independent living in the community
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Use of the EU Budget to support deinstitutionalisation
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Vaccine prioritisation of persons with disabilities,
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Adoption of horizontal EU antidiscrimination legislation.
During the hearing, European Commission Vice-President of Democracy and Demography, Dubravka Šuica, and Commissioner for Equality, Helena Dalli, presented on the work of the European Commission in their respective areas, as well as responding to MEPs questions how the shortcomings would be addressed at an EU-level.
This public hearing can be viewed at: https://multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/en/empl-libe-joint-meeting_20210128-0900-COMMITTEE-EMPL-LIBE_vd
You can read more on EDF’s call at: https://ec.europa.eu/info/news/commission-launches-new-era-forum-transition-2021-feb-08_en
