The report reveals how 31 European countries perform on rights and inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities and their families.
“Many governments are still limiting our rights. They continue with harmful and outdated laws and policies such as institutionalisation,” says László Bercse, chair of the European Platform of Self-Advocates, and vice-president of Inclusion Europe.
“Rights of people with intellectual disabilities must be respected: Everywhere. All the time. But governments mostly ignore us, also failing to collect and provide information to describe the situation of people with intellectual disabilities and their families.”
This is where Inclusion indicators come in, showing what Europe looks like for 20 million people with intellectual disabilities and their family members. Seven indicators offer a clear picture of issues such as the right to decide and right to vote, education, or healthcare.
- In 11 countries, legal capacity can be fully removed and the right to decide is not respected.
- In 14 countries people can be denied their right to vote because of legal capacity.
- 852,000 people with intellectual disabilities are segregated in “care” institutions with more than 10 people in one place.
- Over 32,000 are placed in psychiatric hospitals.
- In 10 countries, forced sterilisation is still performed.
The report includes views from over 400 people with intellectual disabilities.
“We want support to have the opportunity to work and have a more independent life,” said respondent from Austria.
“I only hope that our rights are respected now and always,” respondent from Spain said.
Inclusion indicators 2024 report is presented on 4 December during an event organised by the European Parliament Bureau High Level working group on gender equality and diversity in collaboration with Inclusion Europe, as part the of the European Parliament’s Disability Rights Week.
European Commissioner for Equality, Hadja Lahbib, opens the ovent, alongsite Vice-President of the Parliament, Younous Omarjee.
Younous Omarjee, vice-president of the European Parliament, said:
“Not even 10% of people with intellectual disabilities work in the open labour market. In 14 countries, they can be denied the right to vote. More than 852 000 live in residential services segregated from society.
“Many people don’t know about these issues. Even though there are 20 million people with intellectual disabilities and family members in Europe, they are often under-represented in decisions about policies.
“As representatives of European citizens, it is important that the European Parliament hears and understands these issues.
“I am truly happy that the European Parliament Bureau High Level working group on gender equality and diversity hosts the Inclusion indicators 2024 report launch. This report gives a good picture of the issues faced by people with intellectual disabilities and their families. And it is a great addition to the Parliament’s Disability Rights Week.
“I am committed to working with members of the parliament and with organisations of people with disabilities to improve the situation.”
Note for editors:
Inclusion Europe is an organisations representing 20 million people with intellectual disabilities and their family members, from nearly 40 countries. We advocate for full rights and inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities in Europe. Inclusion Europe is co-funded by the European Union.
European Parliament’s Disability Rights Week is a series of events dedicated to the rights of people with disabilities. Full program.
Reasources
2023 Inclusion indicators
- Summary of main findings
- Full report Inclusion indicators 2023 (.pdf)
- Français: Indicateurs d’inclusion 2023 (.pdf)