The European Disability Forum (EDF) and the International Disability and Development Consortium (IDDC) have released a joint statement welcoming the new European Union Guidance Note on “Leaving no one behind – Disability Inclusion in EU External Action”.
This guidance note is an example of the EU’s increasing efforts to promoting disability-inclusive development in policies and programmes, ensuring that persons with disabilities are not left behind in EU external action. We also praise the EU use of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development’s Development Assistance Committee (OECD-DAC) disability marker to 100% of all its Overseas Development Assistance (ODA).
In the joint statement, we call for the full implementation of the Guidance note, which requires the investment in training of EU staff working in EU external action, the appointment of disability focal points in delegation and strengthening the dialogue with DPOs.
Finally, we urge the EU to adopt an action plan for its external action on promoting and respecting the rights of persons with disabilities.