PROMOTING THE RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
Validity is a leading international legal advocacy organisation promoting the rights of persons with intellectual disabilities and persons with psychosocial disabilities worldwide.
We use legal strategies to promote, protect and defend the rights of persons with intellectual disabilities and persons with psychosocial disabilities. We push for reforms that promote justice and inclusion. We take action in the courts – national and international. And we call for accountability for duty-bearers.
We won’t stop until we achieve inclusion for all.
News
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In memory of Sylvester Katontoka
A tribute from Bruce Chooma, Programmes Coordinator of Disability Rights Watch. This message is shared with Bruce’s permission. REMEMBERING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF SYLVESTER KATONTOKA 27 November 1968 – 5 May 2026 OBITUARY By Bruce Chooma Sylvester Katontoka was the founder of Mental Health Users Network of Zambia (MHUNZA). He worked in a variety…
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Regulation on the Protection of Adults
EU citizens with disabilities continue to be stripped of their legal capacity in many Member States by way of systems of ‘guardianship’. When this happens, they are not allowed to make decisions about their lives, like where and with whom to live, or how to spend their money. Countries often frame this as ‘protection’, but…
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15 NGOs and Law Offices Call for Review of Amendments to Rules of the European Court of Human Rights
The European Court of Human Rights’ (ECtHR) is planning to amend Rules 36 and 44 of the Rules of Court which concern, in the words of the Court, representation of “vulnerable adults”. In response to these proposed amendments, Validity with other 14 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and two law offices submitted a comprehensive response urging further consultation to ensure that vulnerable applicants retain their right…
Our Work
Validity is an international non-governmental organisation which uses the law to secure equality, inclusion and justice for persons with intellectual disabilities and persons with psychosocial disabilities worldwide.
WE ARE LOCAL AND GLOBAL
Validity is a dynamic community of persons with disabilities, legal professionals and volunteers brought together by a desire to reverse injustice and segregation faced by persons with disabilities worldwide.
Our Priorities
Validity focuses on tackling the most widespread and systematic human rights violations faced by persons with disabilities worldwide, to support their autonomy, inclusion and active participation in society.
THE LEGACY OF GÁBOR GOMBOS
Gábor Gombos was an outstanding advocate of the Hungarian and international disability movement and a survivor of psychiatry. He was a world-renowned independent disability rights defender.
