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Political participation of persons with disabilities

People with disabilities
Equality, non-discrimination and racism
The aim of this project is to update the data populating the human rights indicators on political participation of persons with disabilities, first developed by FRA in 2014.
Project Status
Findings available
Project start date
2023
Report / Paper / Summary
20
August
2024

DRUPAL TEST: Political participation of people with disabilities – new developments

Ahead of the EU elections, this report explores the political participation of people with disabilities. Although some Member States removed restrictions on the right to vote and to stand for elections, barriers still exist. This report is an update of new developments following FRA’s last report published in 2014. It sets out ways forward to ensure people with disabilities have equal opportunities, in line with the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

What?

This project will update the data populating the human rights indicators on political participation of persons with disabilities. The data on selected human rights indicators is collected by FRA’s research network FRANET, and via consultations with CSOs and national liaison officers. Questionnaires were also sent to NHRIs, ombuds institutions and equality bodies.

Why?

The right to political participation is guaranteed by Article 29 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and is protected under EU law. Many people with disabilities face barriers to participation in political and public life. FRA research in 2014 and 2019 showed that people with disabilities whose legal capacity has been restricted or removed are unable to vote in many Member States. It also identified gaps as regards the accessibility of electoral processes. The results of this project will allow FRA to provide evidence-based advice on how to remove barriers to political participation for people with disabilities.

How?

The research collects data and information in all EU Member States on key issues affecting the right to vote and the right to stand for election of persons with disabilities. It will analyse the legal situation of persons with disabilities regarding their right to political participation and provide an overview of policies to promote and protect the right to vote. The research will cover in particular legal capacity, accessibility, rights awareness and opportunities for political participation of persons with disabilities. The project contributes to the work of the EU CRPD Monitoring Framework, of which FRA is a member.

Findings

See also

EU Framework for the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) is the first binding international human rights instrument to specifically address disability. Its aim is to "promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities, and to promote respect for their inherent dignity".
People with disabilities