Deinstitutionalisation under the CRPD: Perspectives and Practice (COSP19 Side Event)

The discussion will be informed by preliminary findings of recent research conducted within the European Network of National Human Rights Institutions (ENNHRI), based on contributions from 18 National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) across Europe. The research examines progress, challenges and emerging trends in the transition from institutional to community-based systems of support, as well as the role of NHRIs and Independent Monitoring Mechanisms in this process. The event will also highlight findings from national-level work, including research on institutional care settings and their compatibility with CRPD standards. Speakers will present selected national perspectives, including concrete examples of monitoring, reporting and advocacy carried out by NHRIs and Independent Monitoring Mechanisms under Article 33(2) CRPD.

Particular attention will be given to structural concerns identified in practice. For example, findings from the Swedish NHRI indicate that the operations of the National Board of Institutional Care youth homes, which have in practice developed into specialised settings for children and young persons with disabilities, are not in line with CRPD standards. Despite the overrepresentation of children with neuropsychiatric and intellectual disabilities, the services are not adequately adapted to their needs, and a significant proportion of children are held under locked conditions.

The German NHRI will present the current state of independent living of persons with disabilities and deinstitutionalisation in Germany, highlighting recent developments and ongoing challenges relating to the central support system.

Among the speakers will be the Human Rights Ombudswoman of the Republic of Slovenia, who will moderate the event, as well as representatives of the Swedish Institute for Human Rights, the German Institute for Human Rights, the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights, the Chair of the ENNHRI Working Group on the CRPD, and the European Disability Forum (civil society organisation).

Following confirmation of the event, a representative of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights or a member of the CRPD Committee will also be invited to contribute.

By bringing together representatives of NHRIs, civil society and international actors, the event aims to contribute to ongoing discussions on advancing deinstitutionalisation and strengthening rights-based, person-centred systems of support. It will also underline the important role of NHRIs and Independent Monitoring Mechanisms in advancing the implementation of the Convention at both national and regional levels.