The European Court of Human Rights has found Hungary failed to protect the lives of persons with disabilities living in institutions during a case about a woman known as T.J. who died due to neglect in Hungary’s infamous Topház institution. The case was led by the human-rights organisation Validity Foundation, based in Budapest.
T.J. who passed away in 2018, was 45 years old and had an intellectual disability. She was kept in inhumane conditions for years under the control of state-appointed guardians who did little to address her mistreatment.
Despite her severe malnourishment and neglect, authorities initially claimed her death was caused by pneumonia. They did not consider the ill-treatment she experienced within the institution.
What did the Court decide?
The Court ruled that Hungary failed to ensure T.J.’s basic needs and held them accountable for her death. It criticised the appalling conditions in the institution as well as the poor functioning of the guardianship system, which left T.J. and others unable to seek justice or escape these harmful environments.
The judgment, which follows a similar ruling by a Hungarian court back in February, is a significant step forward in highlighting the responsibilities States have to prevent institutionalisation and abuse. Figures suggest that there are still around 1.5 million people living in institutions in the EU, most of whom are persons with disabilities. Despite efforts by organisations like Validity, many people who experience abuse or neglect in institutions are still denied justice. The case brings attention to the ongoing need for accountability, reform and the urgent need to transition away from institutions in favour of community-based services and independent living.
Read the full article by Validity Foundation here
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