The Commissioner for Equality, Helena Dalli, met on Tuesday 7 July, with representatives of the four member institutions of the EU Framework for the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD): the European Parliament, the European Ombudsman, the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) and the European Disability Forum (EDF).
The meeting was part of a series of consultations launched on 1 July and which will continue this autumn, in preparation for the publication by the Commission of its strategy on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities expected in early 2021
In particular, the participants said they want the strategy to ensure the mainstreaming of disability in all EU policy areas and the application of existing EU requirements, including accessibility.
“Many speakers also stressed that the EU Covid-19 recovery must be a catalyst for major change as it has highlighted the inequalities and exclusion faced by persons with disabilities”, a Commission spokesperson told EUROPE.
In line with stakeholder recommendations, Ms Dalli had already committed to present a 10-year strategy covering the entire UNCRPD.
In addition, the Commission has ensured that it will actively consult with sector organisations in the preparation and implementation of the strategy. (Original version in French by Agathe Cherki)