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In a decision published Monday, April 17, the Council of Europe accuses France of having violated several articles on the rights of people with disabilities.
Does France respect the rights of people with disabilities? Not really, according to a decision published on Monday April 17 by the Council of Europe. The European Committee of Social Rights (CEDS), a structure of the pan-European organization announced that it had unanimously concluded that France had violated several articles of the European Social Charter, a text which guarantees fundamental social and economic rights.
Lack of space in structures, financial insufficiency… Many black spots
In its long reasoned decision, the Council of Europe lists several shortcomings attributable to France. He cites in particular:
- The lack of places in reception facilities for disabled people (which forces hundreds of them to go into exile in Belgium);
- Insufficient financial aid;
- Inaccessibility of buildings or means of transport.
Also pointed out is the insufficient inclusion of students with disabilities in mainstream schools, or even, in terms of health, the “high number of cases of refusal of care”. All these problems lead “many families to live in precarious conditions”summarizes the Committee of Social Rights.
Recognition of a claim made 5 years ago
The Council of Europe thus gives reason to the associations which had seized it in 2018 which did not fail to react. The French government must draw the consequences of this violation “established” by “immediate measures” to put an end to “intolerable injustice”thus communicated the four associations which had filed a “claim” in Strasbourg, Unapei, APF France handicap, Unafam and FNATH.
“We are proud to see that our work is finally coming to fruition ! It is a recognition of the violation of the rights of people with disabilities, made possible thanks to our actions and our determination to move the lines. But we cannot be fully satisfied, because it is indeed a recognition of the failures of the French State to ensure people with disabilities and their families a dignified and chosen life. It remains for France to work, finally, so that people with disabilities benefit from the same rights as other citizens. they say in a joint press release.
“This decision demonstrates that in all areas of life, people with disabilities are hindered in exercising their right”, also reacted Luc Gateau, president of Unapei (National Union of Associations of Parents, People with Mental Disabilities and their Friends) on France Inter. A point of view confirmed by Pascale Ribes, the president of APF France handicap, who regrets that successive governments have had a “misconception of disability, centered on care rather than rights”.
Reinforced by this decision, the four associations now demand that the recommendations issued be translated without delay into coherent, coordinated and quantified public policies, so that the rights of people with disabilities are finally respected.
- In terms of support, adapted to the needs and expectations of all people with disabilities. Too many people are still without a suitable solution. The associations are calling for reliable figures and data to identify needs, quantify them and develop action plans to meet them.
- In terms of resources and compensation. The associations are calling for measures to increase the standard of living of people with disabilities, who are particularly affected by inflation, in particular the financial revaluation of allowances, services and compensation to enable them to live a dignified life.
- In terms of accessibility. The associations demand that public and private actors work together to make all transport chains accessible and allow people, regardless of their disability, to access public services and transport, as well as adapted housing. .
- Health matter. The associations demand that the healthcare offer as a whole be adapted to all disabilities, with no additional costs for individuals, accessible within a reasonable time, and that the healthcare be provided with respect for the patient’s rights.
- In education. The associations demand access to education, but above all a global reflection on the accessibility of the school system and its truly inclusive nature, including the adaptation of pedagogy, tools, and the training of teachers by providing them with all the necessary means.
- In terms of social protection. The associations demand that France finally comply with its commitments and its own legislation in order to remove the obstacles that create and aggravate situations of disability in society, and so that the fundamental rights of individuals and their families are respected.
All say they expect a lot from the next National Conference on Disabilities (CNH), scheduled for April 26 at the Élysée. “I can’t imagine France doing nothing” hammered the president of APF France handicap.
Finally, just over a year from the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Paris is preparing to welcome 350,000 disabled people for games whose organizers promise accessibility for all… Only 9 metro stations out of the 303 are accessible people with disabilities, which represents about 3% of the network.