“EU must do more for the rights of persons with disabilities” – Chris MacManus MEP

Sinn Féin MEP welcomes European Parliament Report on UNCRPD but insists a more proactive approach is needed.

Sinn Féin MEP Chris MacManus has welcomed a European Parliament report on the implementation of a Directive on establishing a general framework for equal treatment in employment and occupation in light of the UNCRPD

Speaking from Brussels MacManus said:

“The Council Directive which this report is based on establishes a general framework for equal treatment in employment and occupation, aiming to combat discrimination on the grounds of religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation.

“This report highlights a number of sobering truths in relation to the difficulties Persons with Disabilities face when accessing employment.”

“The report, endorsed by an overwhelming majority of MEPs, calls on the Member States to ensure the provision of reasonable accommodation for Persons with Disabilities in the workplace, without any cost being borne by workers. This a small, yet crucial ask, which can be approved with ease if the will and the want is there.”

The Midlands Northwest MEP called for a more engaged proactive approach in the future. “It is now vital that we lead by example and continue to engage with stakeholders to ensure that persons with disabilities are sufficiently assisted and accommodated when preparing to enter the work force. In general, I think we need to be far more proactive. All too often politicians are merely reactive to pressures for better rights for persons with disabilities. That’s not enough! We need to be actively involved and engaged with stakeholders to help create a better future.”

MacManus concluded, “For our part, we will be keeping up the pressure at an EU Level to ensure the voices of persons with disabilities are heard.” END