HRC61 - EU Statement - Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities

HRC61 - EU Statement - Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities

United Nations Human Rights Council

61^st session

Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities

6 March 2026

EU statement

Madam Special Rapporteur,

The European Union thanks you for this report. As you rightly underline, being included in decision-making and power-sharing is at the heart of citizenship. The exclusion of persons with disabilities from political life undermines both the legitimacy and the quality of our democracies.

The EU and its Member States are firmly committed to the full implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Under the Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021-2030, we aim to ensure equal participation in democratic processes. The European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights has highlighted that legal and practical barriers, including restrictions on legal capacity, lack of accessibility and insufficient data, continue to prevent many persons with disabilities from voting, standing for election and holding office across Europe.

We concur with you that removing discriminatory laws, investing in accessibility and strengthening data collection are essential. Equally important is combating divisive speech and ensuring that political parties and public institutions become genuinely disability-inclusive and representative. Taking concrete steps to enable participation of persons with disabilities to cultural life and cultural policy is also crucial.

Madam Special Rapporteur,

In your view, what concrete steps at regional level could most effectively accelerate the repeal of remaining legal capacity restrictions that still prevent persons with disabilities from standing for election?

Thank you.