This report, written by the European Network on Independent Living for the European Disability Forum, looks at the use of the European Union (EU) funding for external action. The report sets out to establish if the EU funding supported the process of deinstitutionalisation (DI) globally during 2014 – 2020. This includes the closure of institutions and the development of community-based supports and services, and the prohibition of building or renovating institutions.
As the biggest development and humanitarian aid donor in the world, the European Union (EU) is in a prime position to address the ongoing social exclusion and segregation of children, adults and older persons with disabilities in long-stay residential institutions. Despite the adoption and broad ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), including by the EU, persons with disabilities around the world continue experiencing institutionalisation, poverty, denial of education, exclusion from the labour market and inability to access mainstream services, among other.
The aim of this report is to look at whether the EU, through its external action funding, supported the process of deinstitutionalisation during 2014 – 2020. The report deals with two main questions:
- To what extent has the EU supported the closure of institutions and the development of community-based support infrastructure, in line with Article 19 (Living independently and being included in the community) of the CRPD?
- Is there any evidence that EU funding contributed to maintaining the system of institutional care, through renovation or building of institutions, for instance?
The report was commissioned by the European Disability Forum (EDF) and researched and written by the European Network on Independent Living (ENIL). Its aim is to improve the understanding of the EU institutions, other funders, development organisations, persons with disabilities and their representative organisations (DPOs), service providers and the general public on the role of the EU in supporting deinstitutionalisation of persons with disabilities globally. The report also provides recommendations on changes which should be considered to ensure that funding provided by the EU improves opportunities for persons with disabilities of all ages to enjoy their right to live independently and to be included in the community.
Download the full report:
- Report Role of the European Union funding in supporting deinstitutionalisation around the world (PDF document)
- Report Role of the European Union funding in supporting deinstitutionalisation around the world (Word document)
- Report: How the European Union can use its money to promote independent living (Easy to Read version, PDF document)
- Report: How the European Union can use its money to promote independent living (Easy to Read version, Word document)