Autonomous living is the most important goal
Access for all to all forms of leisure, a broader offering of popular sports: this is what can be expected from the work of Inclusion Handicap. The umbrella organization of disability groups has been pressuring Switzerland since it ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). But it will take time, as noted by Marc Moser, communications manager at Inclusion Handicap. Interview.
The CRPD was ratified by Switzerland back in 2014, but nothing has changed since then…
When it comes to the implementation of a Convention like the CRPD, which applies to all areas of life, three years is not very long. Already, at the federal and cantonal levels, it is clear that the Convention serves as a catalyst for the implementation of the rights of disabled persons. But of course, there is still much to be done, as Inclusion Handicap has shown in its first alternative report submitted to the UN Committee last August.
You have formulated political demands, what does this mean?
We hope to gradually achieve equal rights and independence for disabled persons. For example, we are actively involved in the National Disability Policy, whose goal is a comprehensive strategy for the implementation of the CRPD. Even though the interim report was disappointing, Inclusion Handicap is working for a progressive implementation of the Convention. It’s challenging work, since the Convention encompasses all areas of life—and thus most political domains. The CRPD involves many legal changes, and in this context, we represent the interests of disabled persons.
Autonomy for disabled persons even in the choice of leisure activities?
An independent life is the most important goal of the CRPD! Specifically, it demands the free choice of living arrangements (Art. 19), access to service benefits, and sufficient at-home assistance for disabled persons as needed. Article 30 requires equal access to all forms of leisure, which also encompasses sports. We have taken a strong position on this point in the alternative report and have embraced the demands of all provisions of the CRPD. Inclusion Handicap, among other things, demands that the offering of popular sports for disabled persons be expanded.
What is the next step for implementing this Convention?
We are tirelessly working on the national policy for the implementation of the CRPD. Regardless, the UN committee will judge in a few years how well Switzerland has implemented it. This should take a few more years, and the alternative report will be adjusted, if necessary, by then. We hope to give an additional impulse to the implementation of the Convention through the evaluation of Switzerland by the UN Committee.
Caption: An Inclusion Handicap report submitted to pressure Switzerland