UN Disability Convention: EU seeks rapid ratification
European Commission Vice-President Viviane Reding will urge EU Member States to swiftly ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. She will tell EU Ministers in charge of disability policies that the EU must show leadership to ensure that people with disabilities are fully integrated into the economy and enjoy equal rights
The Commission will commit to implementing the Convention through concrete actions in various policy fields. These actions will be set out in a new European Disability Strategy 2010-2020 to be published in the autumn. Active inclusion of people with disabilities is part of the Europe 2020 Strategy and will help meet the 75% employment target endorsed by EU leaders. The right policy framework can also benefit businesses through better employee recruitment from a wider pool of high quality workers, improved corporate image, further innovation and more marketing opportunities for services and equipment for disabled people.