Press Release by Inclusion Europe

On July 8^th, the European Parliament approved a decision in defence of rights of people with intellectual disabilities in times of COVID-19 crisis.

This decision is based on a petition from Inclusion Europe. The petition calls for measures that protect people with intellectual disabilities during and after the COVID-19 emergency. During the COVID-19 emergency, several European countries did not respect the rights of people with intellectual disabilities.

For example, there has been medical discrimination in hospitals. It means that people with disabilities could not have access to healthcare.

László Bercse supported the petition.  László Bercse is the Vice-President of Inclusion Europe and the chair of EPSA. He said: “we need to make sure our rights are respected and that we are not left behind.”

The European Parliament approved the resolution by

• 682 votes in favour,
• 3 against,
• 10 non-voting.

The European Parliament recalls that post-coronavirus measures must be compatible with the European Charter of Fundamental Rights, describing all the rights of being a human in Europe; the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

The European Parliament also requests that all information about COVID-19 are: easy-to-read, and easy-to-understand.

Jyrki Pinomaa is the President of Inclusion Europe. He is very happy about the decision of the European Parliament. He appreciates that the European Parliament reassured people with intellectual disabilities and their families about their rights to have access to healthcare.

Helen Portal is the Policy Officer of Inclusion Europe. She said that this vote is important to address the harm and damage done to people with intellectual disabilities.

Click here to find more information about their petition.