European Union Commitment to Disability Rights

Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 2011/01/03 - Updated: 2025/04/21
Publication Type: Informative
Topic: European Disability News - Publications List

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Insights, Updates

Synopsis: This report highlights the European Union's ratification of the International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, marking it as the first intergovernmental organization to commit to such a human rights treaty. This ratification obliges EU institutions to uphold disability rights, promoting non-discrimination and ensuring services that facilitate full societal participation for individuals with disabilities. The report underscores the importance of aligning laws and practices with the convention's standards, a significant consideration for seniors and individuals with disabilities seeking equitable treatment and access within the EU - Disabled World (DW).

Introduction

The European Union's ratification of the major international treaty on disability rights is a significant milestone in the global effort to promote the rights of people with disabilities. The EU officially joined the International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities on December 23, 2010, becoming the first intergovernmental organization to sign on to any human rights treaty and take on its binding obligations.

Main Item

"The EU ratification of the Disability Rights Convention sends a clear message that disability rights are a priority in the region and worldwide," said Shantha Rau Barriga, disability rights researcher and advocate at Human Rights Watch. "All EU members and future members should now ratify the treaty and align their laws and practices with its standards."

The Disability Rights Convention is the first international human rights treaty specifically related to the rights of people with disabilities. By ratifying the treaty, countries pledge to uphold non-discrimination and other protections and to provide people with disabilities services they need to participate fully in society. The convention has been ratified by 96 countries as well as the European Union.

In addition to joining the Disability Rights Convention, the EU is in the process of joining the European Convention on Human Rights, administered by a separate intergovernmental organization, the Council of Europe.

Joining the Disability Rights Convention obliges EU institutions, including the European Commission, Parliament, Council, and Court of Justice, to uphold disability rights. But it does not automatically make the convention binding in individual EU member states. That requires separate ratification by each country. Although all have signed, eleven of the 27 EU members have yet to ratify the convention, including:

  • Bulgaria
  • Cyprus
  • Estonia
  • Finland
  • Greece
  • Ireland
  • Luxembourg
  • Malta
  • Netherlands
  • Poland
  • Romania

Among European countries seeking EU membership, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Serbia, and Turkey have ratified the convention, while Albania, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Iceland, and Kosovo have not.

Joining the convention is only one step towards securing the rights of persons with disabilities. Research by Human Rights Watch and European disability rights organizations has shown that people with disabilities throughout Europe, including those in countries that have joined the treaty, face a number of barriers to full realization of their rights.

"The EU should ensure that all member states join and implement the convention and set an example by fully respecting the rights of people with disabilities," Barriga said. "In its discussions with other countries, the EU needs to push for stronger legislation, better policies, and more inclusive programs."

Insights, Analysis, and Developments

Editorial Note: The European Union's ratification of the International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2010 marked a significant milestone in promoting disability rights. This commitment obliges EU institutions to uphold non-discrimination and ensure services that facilitate full societal participation for individuals with disabilities. However, the journey doesn't end with ratification. For meaningful change, it's imperative that all member states not only ratify but also diligently implement the convention's standards. This includes aligning national laws and practices to eliminate barriers and foster inclusivity. The EU must lead by example, ensuring that its policies and actions reflect the convention's principles, thereby setting a precedent for member states and the global community. True progress in disability rights requires unwavering political will, adequate resources, and a collective commitment to transforming words into tangible actions.

It's hard to ignore the irony here - the EU and UK, with all their grand talk of unity and progress, still can't get their act together when it comes to something as basic as disability rights. Decades of policies, stacks of reports, and endless debates haven't erased the stubborn gaps that leave millions sidelined, whether it's inaccessible streets or benefits that barely cover the rent. The numbers in this piece aren't just stats; they're a loud reminder that behind every percentage point is someone who's tired of being an afterthought. If these governments want to keep preaching about a fairer future, they'd better start building one - ramps, funding, and all - before the next round of hollow promises rolls out - Disabled World (DW).

Author Credentials: Ian was born and grew up in Australia. Since then, he has traveled and lived in numerous locations and currently resides in Montreal, Canada. Ian is the founder, a writer, and editor in chief for Disabled World. Ian believes in the Social Model of Disability, a belief developed by disabled people in the 1970s. The social model changes the focus away from people's impairments and towards removing barriers that disabled people face daily. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and achievements, .

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Citing and References

Founded in 2004, Disabled World (DW) is a leading resource on disabilities, assistive technologies, and accessibility, supporting the disability community. Learn more on our About Us page.

Cite This Page: Disabled World. (2011, January 3 - Last revised: 2025, April 21). European Union Commitment to Disability Rights. Disabled World (DW). Retrieved April 26, 2025 from www.disabled-world.com/news/uk/eu.php

Permalink: <a href="https://www.disabled-world.com/news/uk/eu.php">European Union Commitment to Disability Rights</a>: The European Unions (EU) ratification of the major international treaty on disability rights is a significant milestone.

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