Today, G7 members– under the Italian Presidency – adopted the Solfagnano Charter, a first-of-its-kind document that sets priorities on disability inclusion. We welcome the adoption of the Charter and the involvement of the disability movement during the drafting process through the International Disability Alliance and the European Disability Forum.
However, we believe the Charter should have presented more concrete actions. In addition, as G7 members represent the world’s largest advanced economies, they must lead by example in ensuring that specific policies are created, and funding is allocated to the Charter’s commitments. This must include funding for representative organisations of persons with disabilities so they can be properly involved in all actions.
We welcome the Charter’s initiatives in several areas, especially:
- Monitoring progress on disability inclusion in close cooperation with organisations of persons with disabilities.
- Promoting accessibility from the earliest stages of design.
- Ensuring “community services and facilities for the general population are available on an equal basis to persons with disabilities” and programmes for independent living.
- Promoting reasonable accommodation and inclusive employment models.
- Guaranteeing that persons with disabilities have easy access to technological tools.
- Promoting accessible and inclusive healthcare.
- Ensuring that persons with disabilities are fully included in plans for disaster risk reduction and emergency response, in line with international guidelines.
We also appreciate G7 members’ commitment to raise awareness of disability rights.
The European Disability Forum, as a part of the global disability movement, stands ready to further cooperation and ensure the political ambition of the Charter translates into a real improvement of the rights and lives of persons with disabilities.
Yannis Vardakastanis, President of the European Disability Forum, said:
The Solfagnano Charter is a promising declaration, but its true impact will depend on it being followed by real improvements. We call on G7 leaders to back their words with actions and funding, both within their borders and on the international stage.
Additional Information
The Group of Seven (G7) is an informal grouping of seven of the world’s advanced economies, including Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, as well as the European Union.
The Solfagnano Charter (PDF) is a political declaration that will be adopted on the 16 October 2024 by the G7 countries. The charter will present commitments in 8 areas deemed priorities by the G7 countries.
Press conference by Press Conference – G7 Ministers’ Meeting on Inclusion and Disability
Contacts
André Félix
Communications Coordinator