Together for Rights campaign: European Commission joins forces with persons with disabilities to safeguard their rights
As part of its Strategy for the rights of persons with disabilities and following the Disability Employment package presentation, the European Commission initiates an awareness-raising campaign titled 'Together for Rights' to ensure persons with disabilities enjoy equal rights and opportunities.
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The Disability Employment package announced by the Commission aims to increase the employment rate of persons with disabilities and secure accessibility in the workplace.
A virtual Together for Rights campaign launch event will take place on 28 September 2022, from 14h00 to 15h00 CET. Commissioner Dalli will host the event with the participation of Ioannis Vardakastanis, President of the European Disability Forum. The event is organised for disability advocates and campaign supporters, and journalists are welcome. To join the event, please register here.
European Commissioner for Equality, Helena Dalli, said: "Everyone should be free from discrimination and enjoy their rights in a Union of Equality. We all have a role to play in this endeavour. The Together for Rights campaign is about joining forces with persons with disabilities to promote and defend their rights. But its success hinges on the collaboration of all EU countries. As a priority, we call on national authorities to set targets for increasing the employment rate of persons with disabilities."
Nothing about us without us
The 'Together for Rights' campaign was developed in consultation with and for persons with disabilities. It will raise awareness of the rights of persons with disabilities from now until June 2023, in partnership with EU citizens who live with different disabilities. These 'champions' are inspiring equality activists. They are the best placed to tell us how to build a Union of Equality.
Around 87 million persons in the EU live with some form of disability. Despite some progress, persons with disabilities still face daily barriers and discrimination that prevent them from fully participating in society. The situation is more challenging for persons with disabilities who are women, who live in institutions and come from minority or refugee backgrounds.
About the campaign
The campaign is part of the European Commission's Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, published in March 2021 and will highlight separate issues related to the rights of persons with disabilities across six themes and policy areas: employment and education, independent living, the right to vote, accessibility, and inclusive sports and leisure.
The campaign will be rolled out online until June 2023 in partnership with EU citizens who live with different disabilities.
Contact and media toolkit
For the media toolkit please visit the website.
For interview requests or questions, please write to Frederique Luca at media@togetherforrightghts.eu or call +32 2 235 5678.
Join the conversation on social media using #EUDisabilityRights and #UnionOfEquality.