The Executive Committee met in Madrid on 7 November ahead of our board meeting and Conference “Prepared for the future.”
The meeting started with Executive Committee members conveying their deep sorrow and support to our Spanish members regarding the catastrophic floods in Spain. It was unanimously decided to start the Conference “Prepared for the Future” with 1-minute of silence in memory of the victims of the flood.
The Executive then discussed:
- Refugees, migrants and asylum seekers with disabilities: it was agreed that, at this time, EDF will work on establishing partnerships with other organisations and develop knowledge and a strategy to support the rights of refugees, migrants and asylum seekers with disabilities. It was also discussed that it’s important to prepare distinct actions for migrants and for refugees and asylum seekers with disabilities.
- Update on the European Institutions: Executive Committee members were informed of our efforts to re-establish the European Parliament’s Intergroup on Disability and that a decision will be taken by the Parliament on 19 December. The Executive Committee also underlined the need to advocate to the new Commissioner for Equality for a strong commitment to updating the Disability Rights Strategy, including through an open letter to be launched on International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
- Update on EDF’s role in networks: The executive was updated on the situation at the International Disability Alliance and the European Women’s Lobby.
- Updated internal policies: the Executive Committee approved improved policies on human resources, including 360 degree feedback for the management team and an updated Anti Harassment Policy.
- An updated Social Media policy was also adopted.
Executive Committee members updated on external representation the G7 and the Paralympics, as well as various conferences from our members.