UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
This new human rights treaty is due to be signed by the EU Member countries. The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is the first Human Rights Treaty to be signed by the European Communities as a legal entity.
As well as their right to health, the international instrument covers the civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of people with disabilities. Countries who ratify the convention will be legally obliged to treat people with disabilities as individuals with rights. These rights are clearly defined throughout 50 articles within the Convention’s text.
Article 25 of the Convention specifically refers to health. It states that people with disabilities should enjoy the highest attainable standard of health without discrimination; and access and health-related rehabilitation should be gender-sensitive
In particular, Article 25 covers health care services, health professionals, and health insurance. It calls for:
Equal provision and quality free or affordable health care and programmes;
Provision of health services, early identification and intervention, and services designed to minimize and prevent further disabilities, including among children and older persons;
Provision of these health services as close as possible to people’s own communities, including in rural areas;
Health professionals to provide quality care, including raising awareness of the human rights, dignity, autonomy and needs of persons with disabilities;
No discrimination against persons with disabilities in the provision of health insurance and life insurance;
Prevention of discriminatory denial of health care or health services or food and fluids on the basis of disability.
European Parliament’s report on the situation of disabled people in the EU
The European Parliament has issued a report in the situation of disabled people in the enlarged EU. The report by Elizabeth Lynne from the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats in Europe (ALDE, UK), gives the Parliament’s opinion rather than being a legally binding document.
It does not mention health of people with disabilities as such, although it does mention mental ill health and chronic illnesses as forms of disability. The report highlights the importance of care in general and personalised care, especially that of women and the elderly. The role of NGOs in raising awareness of the needs and rights of people with disabilities is also mentioned.
The report welcomes the adoption of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
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