Author: Steven Allen

European Union: UN Special Rapporteurs on Disability and Housing Express Concern Over Systematic Misuse of EU Funds to Promote Disability-Based Institutionalisation Across Europe

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Brussels and Budapest, 23 July 2020 – Two senior United Nations (UN) experts have expressed concern about numerous instances of EU funding being used to finance the maintenance and expansion of institutions for persons with disabilities across the continent, in violation of international human rights law. UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Persons with…
COVID-19 Disability Rights Monitor (DRM) calls for an emergency response to the catastrophic abuse of the human rights of persons with disabilities in institutions 

in Article, My Home, My Choice

Easy-to-read version: Click here On 20 April 2020, the COVID-19 Disability Rights Monitor (DRM) launched an international survey to monitor state measures concerning persons with disabilities amid the pandemic. The initial analysis of the ongoing global survey has revealed grave and systemic violations of fundamental freedoms and human rights of persons with disabilities detained in large- and small-scale institutions,…
UN Special Rapporteur on Health Calls on Bulgaria and the EU to Stop Building Disability Institutions

in Article, Bulgaria, My Home, My Choice

Brussels, Sofia and Budapest, 17 July 2020 – In high-level communications issued on 11 March 2020, Mr. Dainius Pūras, Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health, has called on the Government of Bulgaria and the European Commission “to immediately stop the building…
‘I’m finally free!’: Moldovan courts quash guardianship order in favour of support

in Article, I’m A Person, Moldova, Uncategorised

Following almost a decade of legal action, Natalia Sitova, our client from Moldova, achieved victory at the Chisinau Court of Appeal, in a claim to regain her autonomy which was discriminatorily restricted on the basis of her disability. “Natalia has always considered herself as able to act on her own behalf. She can, directly,…
Launch of the COVID-19 Disability Rights Monitor Dashboard

in Article, Belgium, Bosnia Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary, I’m A Person, Kenya, Lithuania, Moldova, My Home, My Choice, Poland, Romania, Russia, Schools For All, Slovakia, Slovenia, Uganda, United Kingdom, Zambia

Since 20 April 2020, through a global survey, the COVID-19 Disability Rights Monitor (DRM) has been gathering data to conduct rapid independent monitoring of state measures concerning persons with disabilities in the context of the pandemic. Today, the initiative reaches a new milestone with the launch of the COVID-19 DRM Dashboard that allows the public…
PRESS RELEASE: UN finds Hungary responsible for “grave and systematic violations” of disability rights, condemns mass institutionalisation funded by the EU

in Article, Campaigns, Content type, Countries, Hungary, I’m A Person, My Home, My Choice, Press Release, Schools For All

The United Nations has today found Hungary responsible for “grave and systematic” violations of the human rights of persons with disabilities in the country. In a report released today, the UN found the country in flagrant breach of international law for placing people with disabilities in institutions, aided by the European Union which has provided…
Kenya: Mental Health Advocates Call for Inclusive Process of Reform

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People with psychosocial disabilities in Kenya have demanded a seat at the table in national consultations aimed at reforming the country’s outdated mental health legislation. Late last year, Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta ordered the establishment of a ‘Mental Health Taskforce’ under the Ministry of Health to develop comprehensive proposals for reform. In line with this…
Czechia: Validity and Forum for Human Rights call for abolition of “netted cage beds”

in Article, Czech Republic, My Home, My Choice

In December, Validity and Forum for Human Rights filed an international complaint against the use of netted cage beds in psychiatric hospitals in the Czech Republic. The case, which was filed at the European Committee of Social Rights, tackles the ongoing use of this practice which conflicts with international human rights law. Read the full…
NGOs Take European Commission to Court for Funding Segregation of Disabled Persons in Bulgaria

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PRESS RELEASE – For immediate release (български) For the first time in history, three disability rights organisations have initiated Court proceedings against the European Commission for failing to halt EU infrastructure funding being used by Bulgaria to build institutions for persons with disabilities. Case T-613/19, pending before the EU General Court in Luxembourg, challenges the Decision…
Romania: Justice denied for Ştefan Stoian after a decade of legal action

in Article, Campaigns, Content type, Countries, Romania, Schools For All

Earlier this week, the European Court of Human Rights ruled against Ştefan Stoian, a young man with quadriplegia, who took a case against Romania for denial of his right to education. The disappointing verdict came after almost a decade of legal action to secure the supports he needs to participate in mainstream schools. The judgment…