Council of Europe - International Instruments on Disability
International Instruments in Easy to Read format.
Recommendation Rec(2006)5, "Action Plan to promote the rights and full participation in society of people with disabilities: improving the quality of life of people with disabilities in Europe 2006-2015" (2006) has a broad scope and promotes a shift from a medical to a social and human rights-based approach to disability. It is intended to serve as a policy framework for the coming decade and a roadmap for policy-makers. The Action Plan was officially launched in September 2006 at a European Conference in St. Petersburg.
Council of Europe Recommendation Rec(2005)5 on the rights of children living in residential institutions (2005) outlines numerous rights of children who are already placed in institutions. It proposes quality standards that should be followed for all institutions, and it recommends that, to the greatest extent possible, other recourses for care of the child be explored before a child is placed in an institution. The document does not recommend closure of long-term care institutions.
The Council of Europe's Political Declaration: "Improving the quality of life of people with disabilities: enhancing a coherent policy for and through full participation" (2003) aims to improve the quality of life of people with disabilities and their families in the next decade by putting emphasis on their integration and full participation in society, as their participating in and access to society is of benefit to the whole population.
The Recommendation towards Full Social Inclusion of People with Disabilities (2003) was put forth on the occasion of the 2003 European Year of People with Disabilities. Some of the recommendations put forth for the Council of Europe bodies include: to give consideration to including explicit reference to discrimination on the grounds of disability in the European Convention on Human Rights and the Revised European Social Charter; to play an active role in the development of the United Nations disability convention; and to adopt an action program for the full social inclusion of people with disabilities in Europe.
Towards Concerted Efforts for Treating and Curing Spinal Cord Injury (2002) recommends increased research and treatment in the area of spinal cord injury within Member States.
Towards Full Citizenship of Persons with Disabilities through Inclusive New Technologies (2001) recommends that Member States draw up and implement national strategies that ensure the inclusion of people with disabilities in the use of newly developed technologies.
Article 15 of the Revised European Social Charter (1996), adopted by the Council of Europe, declares the right of physically or mentally disabled persons to vocational training, rehabilitation and social resettlement.
Resolution on a Charter on the Vocational Assessment of People with Disabilities (1995) states that all people with disabilities should have access to vocational assessment for the purpose of integration into the work force. The Resolution maintains that assessments should focus not on limitations but rather on abilities that can be used for vocational training and rehabilitation. It further states that vocational assessment and integration of people with disabilities should be carried out by multidisciplinary teams.
Recommendation 1185 on Rehabilitation Policies for the Disabled (1992) calls on Member States to ensure that the interests and needs of people with disabilities are taken into account. It highlights the need for the active participation of people with disabilities in family life, the community and society as well as in the organization of their own lives. Also stressed is the need for early intervention, educational opportunities, community-based services, and access to employment for people with disabilities.
A Coherent Policy for People with Disabilities, signed in 1992 by the Council of Europe's Committee of Ministers, aims at preventing or eliminating disablement, preventing its deterioration and alleviating its consequences, guaranteeing full and active participation in community life, and helping people with disabilities to lead independent lives according to their own wishes. The document declares that this is an ongoing and dynamic process of mutual adaptation involving, on the one hand, people with disabilities, and on the other hand, society, which must demonstrate its support by taking specific and appropriate steps to ensure equality of opportunity.
Recommendation 818 on the Situation of the Mentally Ill (1977) encourages governments to examine their legislation as it relates to the rights of people with mental health problems. The recommendation places a particular focus on individual choice, the minimizing of institutionalization and hospitalization of people with mental health problems, and the growth of community services.
The European Social Charter (1961) is a legally binding instrument for all Council of Europe member states that have signed and ratified the charter. It guarantees 19 social and economic rights including the right to work, the right of vulnerable populations to protection, and the right to social and economic assistance. Article 15 specifically defines the right of people with disabilities to vocational training, rehabilitation and social resettlement. This article was revised in 1996 (see Revised European Social Charter).