On 5 March 2021, the European Commission launched the “Union of Equality: Strategy for the rights of persons with disabilities 2021-2030” report, setting out how the Commission aims to support the upholding the rights of people with disabilities across the EU. The Strategy builds on the previous European Disability Strategy 2010-2020, seeking to ensure that all persons with disabilities in Europe, regardless of their sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, age or sexual orientation are able to:
- exercise their human rights
- have equal opportunities, equal access to participate in society and economy
- decide where, how and with whom they live
- move freely in the EU regardless of their support needs
- live free from discrimination.
Furthermore the Strategy takes account of the diversity of disability comprising long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments (in line with Article 1 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities). The new strategy contains a number of actions and flagship initiatives in various domains including around the areas of:
- Accessibility – being able to move and reside freely but also to participate in the democratic process
- Quality of life – to live independently, including de-institutionalisation, social protections and non-discrimination at work
- Equal participation – eliminating discrimination and violence, ensuring equal opportunities in relation to justice, education, culture, sport and tourism, as well as equal access to all health services.
The disability rights strategy and an easy read version, can be downloaded below.