Following strong commitments from European government leaders, the disability rights movement in Europe expects results: it is time to take responsibility.

Shortly before the entry into force of the UN Convention on January 22nd, Commission Vice-President Viviane Reding addressed the Disability Intergroup at the European Parliament, along with EDF President Yannis Vardakastanis and President of the Intergroup Adam Kósa. The ongoing work of the disability rights movement in Europe was reinforced by Ms. Reding’s commitments for more action in the future. The European Disability Forum will continue to work hard to ensure that the European institutions will now deliver on their promises.

Together with the European Disability Forum, the Commissioner for Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship, Viviane Reding welcomed the EU conclusion of the UN Convention. She said it is a significant landmark, which will improve the lives of 80 million persons with disabilities in Europe . At the Intergroup meeting, Ms. Reding mentioned that the European Commission will deliver in line with the Convention and she brought up the possibility of the ratification of the optional protocol.

The disability movement specially welcomes the ideas on having concrete European legislation and policy actions on disability, and we hope to go ahead on next steps with the UN Convention.

Here are some goals and priorities for 2011 and beyond. We will be working:

• Toward concrete legislation and policy actions on disability
• The next key steps after entry into force of the UN Convention
• The strategy from the Commission
• Watch and listen

Get the whole story in 3 minutes on Europarl TV or read our full report on EDF website.

Aurélien Daydé
Communication and media officer
European Disability Forum | nothing about us without us
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