European Association of Service Providers for Persons with Disabilities: EASPD in Geneva – the EU could have the key to successful implementation of the UN CRPD

During the second part of the Constructive Dialogue between the European Union and the United Nations taking place in Geneva on the 27-28 August 2015, the European Association of Service providers for Persons with Disabilities (EASPD) organised a side event to present the role of support services in the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD).

As part of its cooperation with the United Nations (UN), EASPD attended the 2nd part of the Constructive Dialogue between the European Union and the United Nations in Geneva on the 27-28 August 2015. In addition EASPD organised a side event on the role of support services in the implementation of the UN CRPD and the actions the European Union can take to further facilitate their changing role vis à vis the implementation of the UN Convention.

During the side-event, EASPD called on the European Union to:

  • Adopt a 2nd Work Plan for the European Disability Strategy for the period 2015-2020 and include a strong support services dimension in the areas of employment, education and independent living.
  • Use the European Semester and the Country Specific Recommendations to implement the UN CRPD and to promote positive changes in service provision.
  • Revise the composition of the EU Framework for the implementation of the Convention set up under Article 33 of the UN CRPD as it does not currently represent a pluralistic participation of different civil society organisations as according to the Paris Principles.

During the event, EASPD Secretary General, Luk Zelderloo, stressed that “it is crucial to have a social investment dimension against fiscal consolidation measures in all EU policies and frameworks. Austerity measures applied to the disability sector have had a dramatic impact on the funding of personal assistance schemes, the development of inclusive education systems and accessibility to the open labour market by means of support measures for persons with disabilities”. Sabrina Ferraina, Senior Policy Officer, added that “a renewed work-plan for the 2nd implementation phase of the European Disability Strategy could be the opportunity to address issues that were left out in the previous plan, such as the essential role support services play in facilitating the enjoyment of human rights for persons with high support needs”.

If the inclusion of persons with disabilities in society is to be achieved, it is essential for the European Union to lead by example and set up inclusive approaches, promote dialogue and cooperation with mainstream actors and mainstream the European Disability Strategy across all EU legislation and activities.

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