OSCE/ODIHR Director calls for increased efforts to remove barriers for more inclusive societies ahead of International Day of Persons with Disabilities

WARSAW, 2 December 2016 ─ Ahead of tomorrow’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Michael Georg Link, Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) called on participating States to take concrete steps to create more inclusive societies, free from intolerance and promoting the full and effective participation of persons with disabilities in political and public life.

“This year marks the 10th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the 25th anniversary of the OSCE Moscow Document, both of which commit states to protecting the human rights of persons with disabilities and ensuring equal opportunity to participate fully in the life of their society,” said Director Link. “Despite these obligations, the full participation of persons with disabilities remains limited in many participating States due to the lack of accessibility, as well as administrative and legal barriers, including restrictions on the right to vote as a result of the deprivation of legal capacity.”

Promoting just societies with effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels is one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, which are at the focus of this year’s International Day for Persons with Disabilities. These goals cannot be achieved without the direct engagement of persons with disabilities in the decision-making processes of their societies and without their equal representation in political parties, parliaments and public offices.

Director Link said: “Recognizing the ability and rights of persons with disabilities, including women with disabilities, to contribute at all levels of political and public life is the first step in ensuring equal participation. ODIHR works towards creating more inclusive and representative societies and stands ready to assist OSCE participating States in achieving this goal.”

ODIHR has developed a host of initiatives, including awareness raising, workshops, needs assessment and good practice exchange, to promote the participation of persons with disabilities in political and public life. ODIHR also works closely with persons with disabilities, their representative organizations and disability rights experts to effectively monitor and address hate crimes and intolerance against persons with disabilities.