European Union Commitment to Disability Rights

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.

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"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."

Information and Page References

Disabled World (DW) is a comprehensive online resource that provides information and news related to disabilities, assistive technologies, and accessibility issues. Founded in 2004 our website covers a wide range of topics, including disability rights, healthcare, education, employment, and independent living, with the goal of supporting the disability community and their families.

Cite This Page (APA): Langtree, I. C. (2011, January 3 - Last revised: 2025, January 13). European Union Commitment to Disability Rights. Disabled World (DW). Retrieved January 15, 2025 from www.disabled-world.com/news/uk/eu.php

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