December 18, 2024 – The International Union of Disabled People’s Organizations (IUDPO), representing Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) from Central Asia, the South Caucasus, and Eastern Europe, has submitted a set of recommendations to the European Disability Forum (EDF) for inclusion in the Outcome Document of the European Regional Disability Summit.
The submission follows the online consultation meeting held by EDF on December 17, where stakeholders discussed key priorities and initiatives for the Outcome Document. In response, IUDPO members engaged in regional consultations, identifying six specific recommendations to address pressing challenges and enhance the effectiveness of the final document.
IUDPO emphasized that these proposals reflect the unique needs and priorities of OPDs in the region, aiming to strengthen disability rights, improve accessibility, and ensure meaningful participation in policy-making processes. The organization expressed confidence that these contributions will enrich and refine the existing draft, making it more representative and impactful.
The European Regional Disability Summit serves as a crucial platform for advancing disability-inclusive policies and fostering collaboration across Europe and neighboring regions. IUDPO remains committed to advocating for the rights of persons with disabilities and ensuring that their voices are effectively represented in international policy discussions.
Proposed recommendations:
- Ensure the implementation of the Article 33 of the UN Convention on the Rights of
Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD). Recommendations for implementation of the
obligations under the UN CRPD include establishing an effective interagency implementation and coordination mechanism at the highest level of the executive branch. This should be carried out in accordance with the principles outlined in Article 4, paragraph 3 of the Convention. Additionally, the formation of an independent monitoring mechanism is envisaged, which should be fully operational before the next Global Disability Summit.
- Participation of organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) in decision-making
processes (Article 4.3). Recommendations for implementation of the obligations under the UNCRPD include ensuring the meaningful participation of Disabled People’s Organizations (DPOs) in legal and regulatory mechanisms, as emphasized in General Comment No. 7 by the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. This involves involvements in decision-making processes across all branches and levels of government. To achieve this, specific «International Union of Disabled People’s Organizations» «Международный Союз организаций людей с инвалидностью» guidelines should be developed to facilitate the effective and equitable participation of OPDs in
decision-making processes.
- Support the financial independence and sustainability of the OPDs. Recommendations for implementation of the obligations under the UN CRPD, as outlined in General Comment No. 7 by the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, emphasize the necessity of ensuring sustainable financial support for OPDs through state budgets and appropriate legislative measures. This is essential for the independence and sustainability of the OPDs.
- Create the mechanisms for supporting the implemention of Article 32 of the UN CRPD.
Recommendations for implementation of the obligations under the UN CRPD include
developing centrally funded programs that will facilitate the participation of OPD
representatives in high-level international conferences. These programs should take into
account all types of disabilities, gender aspects and geographic characteristics.
- Support independent living and deinstitutionalization (Article 19). Recommendations for implementation of the obligations under the UN CRPD, particularly Article 19, include:
- Provision of appropriate services including personal assistance, creating inclusive
infrastructure and equitable policies that ensure equal opportunities and facilitate the
full participation of persons with disabilities in society
- Development of sustainable concept and strategies of deinstitutionalization, that
promote full inclusion, independence, and the opportunity for persons with disabilities
to live in inclusive environments based on equal opportunities.
- Full and equal participation of persons with disabilities in political life (Article 29).
Recommendations for implementation of the obligations under UN CRPD include ensuring the full and equal participation of persons with disabilities in political life. States are responsible to implement the provisions of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) “Guidelines on Promoting the Political Participation of Persons with Disabilities.” This commitment envisages removing barriers, providing accessible information, amending legislation to provide persons with disabilities real opportunity to run for legislative and other state bodies, and implementing political leadership training programs.
