The Council of the European Union – EU institution representing the Member States’ governments – has approved conclusions reaffirming the EU’s commitment to human rights in the context of the recovery from the pandemic. During a meeting held on 22 February the Council recalled that all human rights are universal, indivisible, interdependent and interrelated.
These Council conclusions are even more important at this time of social and economic crisis when European institutions must particularly protect persons that are most disadvantaged and victims of human rights violations.
Among the 20 outcomes, the Council is concerned about the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the rights of persons with disabilities.
In this sense, the Council explained that “The EU will intensify its work with partners to ensure persons with disabilities’ full enjoyment of human rights in compliance with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities as well as to ensure that their needs during the recovery process are fully met.”
EDF will continue to advocate and denounce human rights violations faced by persons with disabilities in Europe as a result of the lack of disability inclusive response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
We call on the Council of Europe to assume an active lead in the promotion and protection of the rights of persons with disabilities and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in the COVID-19 response and recovery.
More information
Contact
Marine Uldry – Human Rights Officer
Contact: marine.uldry@edf-feph.org
Twitter: @Marine_Uldry
Photo credit: European Union