News/Press

Kranjska Gora, 23 May 2008 – “The Convention is a very useful instrument we can refer to in order to achieve equality in daily life”, said the Slovenian President Danilo Turk in his video address at the opening of the conference "Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities – From Words to Reality?", taking place in Kranjska Gora, Slovenia, on 22 and 23 May.

“Ratification of the Convention within the European Union and the launch, at the same time, of the procedure for the adoption of a Directive prohibiting discrimination against persons with disabilities will clearly show that the European Union has already reached a level of development that allows it to assume the responsibilities of a world leader also in the affirmation of the human rights of vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities”, stated the Slovenian Minister of Labour, Family and Social Affairs Marjeta Cotman.

“Now we have to focus on rapid implementation. This is what people with disabilities are expecting from us”, emphasized the European Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities Vladimir Spidla.

“The Convention states clearly that people with disabilities are entitled in our society with same choices as any other persons and we need to ensure that these choices become a reality”, he added.

Commissioner Spidla also announced that the European Commission will propose a new legislative non-discrimination instrument, based on Article 13 of the Amsterdam Treaty, before the summer. He explained that the area of disability will be covered by this initiative and expressed his conviction that “this new directive will put an end to discriminatory practices and will push forward the implementation of the Convention in the EU”.

The second informal meeting of ministers, responsible for disability issues, from the EU Member States and the European Free Trade Area (EFTA) countries was held later during the same day. The ministers committed to quick ratification and implementation of the UN Convention at national level and several of them announced the readiness of their countries to end the process by the end of this or at the latest next year.

Other issues discussed at the meeting were the importance of a dialogue and cooperation between the EU Member States and the organisations of people with disabilities in the implementation of the Convention and the establishment of a closer synergy between the EU and its Member States during the process. The necessity of holding disability awareness raising activities at the EU and national level was highlighted as well.

The ministers also expressed their willingness to make a tradition from this meeting, underlining its significance as a tool to stimulate action in the Member States and at EU level.

The intention of the European Community to ratify the Convention soon was clearly declared during the discussion.

The European Disability Forum President Yannis Vardakastanis also addressed the meeting.

“The ratification of the UN Convention has to be a priority not only at the EU but also at the national level. The Optional Protocol has to be ratified as well. It must not be seen as a formality but has to be backed up by concrete efforts to comply with its provisions. The provisions must be implemented unconditionally through equality legislation and equality policy practices”, said Mr. Vardakastanis.

He voiced the expectation of people with disabilities for “generous and comprehensive legislation”, tackling discrimination in all areas of life, and explained the need of disability specific directive which only would adress the unique and complex character of disability and contribute to the implementation of the provisions of the Convention. Mr. Vardakastanis stated his strong support for separate legislation for the other disadvantaged groups which also “deserve to have full protection”.

The European Disability Forum (EDF) is the European umbrella organisation representing the interests of 50 million disabled citizens in Europe. EDF membership includes national umbrella organisations of disabled people from all EU/EEA countries, as well as European NGOs representing the different types of disabilities, organisations and individuals committed to disability issues. The mission of the European Disability Forum is to ensure disabled people full access to fundamental and human rights through their active involvement in policy development and implementation in Europe.