It is with deep sorrow that we learned of the passing of Anna Drabarz, our dedicated Board member, legal scholar, and passionate advocate for persons with disabilities. Anna leaves behind a profound legacy of advancing equality, accessibility, and human rights in Poland and across Europe.
A distinguished researcher specialised in international and EU law, Anna focused on human rights and equality. Her impact extended beyond academia, as she played a pivotal role in promoting accessibility in law-making and enforcement. She collaborated with the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights and the Ministry of Funds and Regional Policy on the European Accessibility Act.
Anna co-founded the Podlaski Sejmik Osób z Niepełnosprawnościam in 2017, later strengthening national representation by joining the Board of the Polish Disability Forum. A key advocate for the full implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, she co-created the draft law on equal opportunities and supported decision-making regulations. She also championed the rights of women with disabilities and provided essential support to Ukrainian refugees with disabilities in Poland.
She will be remembered as a relentless force for change, working to dismantle barriers and build a more just and inclusive society. She will be deeply missed.
Our heartfelt condolences go to her family, friends, colleagues, and all who will feel her absence in their lives.
A tribute to Anna Drabarz
The disability rights movement has lost a dedicated and impactful advocate. I was shocked when I knew it. I had the opportunity to meet her this year in Warsaw, Poland. She was a great woman, a great advocate, a very nice person.
Yannis Vardakastanis, EDF President
I am deeply shocked and saddened by this news. It is truly heartbreaking. She was such an inspiring, dedicated person, and her loss is felt deeply. My sincere condolences to her family, friends, and everyone who knew her.
Gunta Anca, EDF Vice-President
It’s always very sad when we lost somebody of the movement and especially activists that were so engaged to make a change for all. May Anna rest in peace and may the happy moments, the nice memories and the big quantity of love the people around her had for her, ease somehow this separation for her family, friends and all her network.
Nadia Hadad, EDF Executive Committee member
My deepest condolences to her family, friends, and colleagues. Her dedication and impact on accessibility and disability rights will be remembered and greatly missed.
Humberto Insolera, EDF Executive Committee member
The news is very sad for our movement. But it invites us to consider the legacy Anna left us.
Luisa Bosisio, EDF Board member
I share in the deep sadness expressed by all of you. I was truly impressed by Anna’s dedication in preparing for the reception of Ukrainian refugees. My thoughts are with her family and our friends at the Polish Disability Forum during this difficult time.
Albert Prevos, EDF Board member
Your words about Anna can be sent to natalia.suarez@edf-feph.org.