On the 7th of June 2023, the European Commission launched a joint communication setting out the European Union’s (EU) proposal to develop an ambitious and forward-looking agenda for a new era of cooperation between the EU and Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). This communication proposes a set of priorities and concrete actions in key areas, including, for the first time, references to the promotion and empowerment of the rights of persons with disabilities.
Fighting discrimination and inequality
The joint communication is the result of the call for evidence previously launched by the European Commission. The European Disability Forum (EDF), together with the Latin American Network of Non-Governmental Organizations of Persons With Disabilities and their Families (RIADIS), participated in the EU consultation providing joint feedback. The feedback contains recommendations regarding the inclusion of persons with disabilities in strategic relationships to fight discrimination and inequality.
Building inclusive and sustainable societies
Both regions aspire to build inclusive and sustainable societies based on a commitment to the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Thus, this joint communication steps up common actions, including regarding the promotion of peace, security, democracy, the rule of law, human rights, sustainable growth, and economic resilience.
Promoting social cohesion
Among the key areas of action, this joint communication underlines the priority to advance human development, promoting social cohesion and tackling inequalities, focusing on the economic empowerment and inclusion, among other groups at risk, of persons with disabilities. This can be done by cooperating on access to quality education for all children and youth and with vocational training and skills development that align with employment needs.
Moreover, the statement states that the EU and LAC should intensify their dialogue and cooperation in the fight against discrimination, upholding the rights of persons with disabilities.
This is a first step and a great achievement for the 85.000 million persons with disabilities in Latin America and the Caribbean[1]. EDF wishes the EU and its Member States to prioritise the rights of persons with disabilities by setting concrete actions on the agenda.
You can find the declaration from RIADIS (PDF file)
For more information, contact Giulia Traversi, EDF’s Humanitarian Policy Officer: giulia.traversi@edf-feph.org
Image credit: © European Union, 2023, Source: EC – Audiovisual Service