Rights

Fighting for the rights of people with intellectual disabilities

“We want rights, not favours!”

People with intellectual disabilities are citizens like everybody else.
They have the right to be included in all areas of life.
They have the right to live, learn, work, and have fun together with other people.

But often, their real life is different.

People with intellectual disabilities are often excluded from society.
They do not get accessible information.
They often live in large homes that separate them from society.
They often have to learn in special schools.
They often are bullied and discriminated against.

Inclusion Europe and its members want to change that!

We want a better life for all people with intellectual disabilities and their families in Europe:
We want them to know about their rights.
We want their rights to become reality.
We want them to participate in all decisions that concern their lives.

Human Rights are the same for everyone.

Different organisations work to protect Human Rights at different levels:

  • The United Nations make laws for everyone worldwide.
    Inclusion International works with the United Nations to make sure that these laws are good for people with intellectual disabilities.
  • The European Union and the Council of Europe make laws for citizens of countries in Europe.
    Inclusion Europe informs the European Union and the Council of Europe about how these laws should take care of the needs of people with intellectual disabilities.
  • National laws are made by each country.
    The members of Inclusion Europe help their national governments deal with these rights.

The members of Inclusion Europe help their national governments deal with these rights. 

One of the most important documents for people with disabilities is the Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities.
This document is an international law.
It was made by the United Nations for all people with disabilities worldwide.
In short, people often call it “CRPD”.
The CRPD tells countries how to make sure that people with disabilities get the same rights as everyone else.

It is also very important for Europe.
Inclusion Europe works especially on the following parts of the CRPD:

  • Equality and Non-discrimination (Article 5)
  • Legal capacity and supported decision-making (Article 12)
  • Access to Justice (Article 13)
  • Living in the Community (Article 19)
  • Inclusive Education (Article 24)
  • Health (Article 25)

The European Union makes many European laws.
Some of the very important European laws are those against discrimination.
There are also very important laws on consumers’ rights, access to health and transport.
Inclusion Europe makes sure that these laws address the needs of people with intellectual disabilities and their families.

The Council of Europe countries also respect an important document called the “European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms”.
The Council of Europe writes important recommendations for all countries in Europe.
These are not laws, but many countries follow them.

Inclusion Europe does work on all these rights.
To do this well, Inclusion Europe needs your support!
Find out how you can work with us under “Get involved”.