A delegation of European disability leaders met with the Luxembourgish Minister of Family, Max Hahn, on 26 September. The meeting took place during the Forum’s Executive Committee meeting, hosted with support from the Luxembourgish Ministry and Info-Handicap – “Conseil national des personnes handicapées” (the Luxembourgish national council of persons with disabilities). The delegation was led by our President Gunta Anca and Info-Handicap’s Treasurer and Board Member, Nadine Medinger, as well as their Director, Christine Zimmer.
The delegations discussed disability rights priorities in Luxembourg and Europe, notably accessibility, independent living and legal capacity.
Disability advocates welcomed the ambitious accessibility legislation adopted in Luxembourg, and they were briefed on the comprehensive National Action Plan on Disability to be released soon.
They then asked for progress:
- Continuing efforts to guarantee the right to legal capacity for persons with disabilities and that they can fully enjoy their autonomy, as the guardianship systems in Luxembourg are against the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
- Criminalising and strengthening safeguards on forced treatment and forced sterilisation of persons with disabilities.
- Advancing accessibility of emergency communications and availability of relay services.
- Personal assistance as a key tool for independent living and participation in society, which is currently in development in Luxembourg.
Gunta Anca, President of the European Disability Forum, stated:
I appreciate Luxembourg’s commitment to work with organisations of persons with disabilities and the progress achieved: I was particularly interested in Luxembourg’s work towards a “one-stop shop” for disability-related support, as well as practical initiatives on workplace inclusion, accessibility training at Luxembourg Airport, inclusive culture and tourism, and “silent hours”. We asked the Minister to work towards policies on personal assistance and supported decision-making that fully align with human rights treaties.
Christine Zimmer, Director of Info-Handicap, added
It was a great honour to welcome the European disability movement to Luxembourg! An important discussion was also that accessibility means more than accessible buildings and infrastructure. We also need to break down the barriers in people’s minds, challenging stereotypes, changing attitudes and ensuring that persons with disabilities are recognised and included as equal members of society, with the same rights, choices and opportunities. Together, we can continue working towards a truly inclusive, accessible and rights-based society.