UN Human Rights Council 40th Session
Item 3: Clustered ID with the SR on the rights of persons with disabilities and the independent expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
5th March 2019
Intervention by ESTONIA
Mr. President,
Estonia aligns itself with the statement by the European Union.
Estonia would like to thank the Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities for her study on the disability-specific forms of deprivation of liberty.
With the ratification of the CRPD Estonia made a clear commitment to continue the provision of greater inclusion of persons with disabilities. In Estonia deprivation of liberty is permitted only in exceptional cases and pursuant to a procedure provided by law. No distinction in these rules is made based on disability. Estonia is currently working on a step-by-step approach to deinstitutionalize special care throughout the country. Smaller facilities are formed to offer an intermediate stage to integrating people in the local communities. Different types of accommodation are provided to support home-like and independent living. These new service places enable people with special psychiatric needs to live in decent living conditions and be significantly more independent in deciding on matters concerning their lives.
Madame Special Rapporteur, you acknowledge that changes to legal and policy frameworks will not be sufficient, unless accompanied by a major shift in the societal perception of persons with disabilities. The Question: In your opinion, which training and awareness-raising measure is the most efficient in this regard?
Thank you!