INAUGURATION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION DISABILITY PLATFORM

On December 15 2021 the inauguration of the European Commission Disability Platform took place as promised in the European Union Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (ESRPD). 

The Disability Platform replaces the now ended High Level Group on Disability as an expert group where representatives from the European Commission, the EU Member States and civil society discuss disability rights in EU policy making. 

The objective of the Disability Platform is to facilitate cooperation between the European Commission and EU Member States for the implementation of the ESRPD (read more about the strategy and IF’s response to it here). This includes the preparation of policy and legislative proposals relevant to disability, working together with representatives from the EU Member States and the European Commission to advance the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. 

IF is delighted to announce that the federation has been appointed as a formal member of the platform for a five-year term. As one of fourteen representatives from civil society, IF will use this position to advocate for the rights and needs of the SBH community. Highlighting the need to mainstream disability rights into all EU policies in particular health policy and raise awareness of Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus among EU policy makers. 

To learn more about the European Union and disability rights see here the IF Information Package on the European Union.