On 11 – 12 October, the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights is organising its Fundamental Rights Forum, as the space for dialogue on human rights challenges facing the EU today.
The European Network on Independent Living and the Validity Foundation are joining the Fundamental Rights Forum, by organising a 1-hour session on “Justice in EU-Funded Disability Institutions”.
The session is scheduled for 12 October, at 11:30 – 12:30 CET (Brussels time).
About the session
This session will focus on access to justice for persons with disabilities in residential care facilities funded by the EU. Despite the Member States’ and the EU’s ratification of the UN CRPD, millions have been invested in segregating facilities for children, adults and older persons. At the same time, persons living in institutions have no way of challenging these investments and accessing support and housing that facilitate their right to independent living. ENIL and Validity Foundation have taken a case the General Court in Luxembourg, and have separately or jointly submitted official complaints to the European Commission, the European Ombudsman and the UN. However, until now, these actions have not resulted in sanctions or infringement proceedings, or decisions which would restore the rights of those in institutions.
Speakers:
– Bart Van Vooren and Machteld Van Egmond, Covington & Burling LLP
– Jonas Ruskus, Vice-Chair, Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
– Ann Campbell, Co-Director, Validity Foundation
– Maria Moustakali, Case handler, European Ombudsman
– Petra Flieger, Activist, Independent Living Austria
Registration:
To take part in the session (and other events during the Fundamental Rights Forum), register here. Registration is open until the day of the session.