G7 countries adopted the Solfagnano Charter on disability inclusion. It is the first time the G7 group adopted a document on disability rights. Jyrki Pinomaa attended the event, and shares his impressions.
G7 is a group made of countries: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The European Union also takes part in this group.
The Solfagnano Charter was adopted during a meeting in Italy. Jyrki Pinomaa, president of Inclusion Europe, attended the meeting:
“It was good to see the ministers and other government representatives from so many countries so fully committed to pay extra attention to people with disabilties and their families.
“Of course, the strength of their commitment will be measured by the real changes for the better in the lives of people with disabilities. It is most important now that the words are followed by actions.”
(Scroll down for Jyrki’s account in full.)
The Solfagnano Charter
The charter describes initiatives in several areas:
- Monitoring disability inclusion in close cooperation with organisations of persons with disabilities.
- Promoting accessibility.
- Ensuring “community services and facilities for the general population are available on an equal basis to persons with disabilities” and programmes for independent living.
- Promoting reasonable accommodation and inclusive employment models.
- Access to technological tools.
- Accessible and inclusive healthcare.
- Ensuring that persons with disabilities are fully included in plans for disaster risk reduction and emergency response, in line with international guidelines.
Read more in a summary from EDF.
G7 disability event
The 2-day event included participation from many organisations. Anffas, Italian member of Inclusion Europe, was involved and prepared this easy-to-read information (.pdf) on how the event was organised.
See also: Indicators on rights and inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities
Jyrki Pinomaa about the event
First ever G7 Inclusion and Disability ministerial event was held in Assisi and Solfagnano, Italy from 14 to 16 October 2024. I had the honor of receiving an invitation to the first two days. The third day was reserved for the ministerial delegations.
The preparatory day consisted of 6 panels and more than fifty panelists representing governments, not only from G7 countries, but also from Kenia, South Africa, Tunisia, Vietnam, Mexico together with representatives of EU Commission, some international disability organisations and the United Nations. It was an honor for me to represent Inclusion Europe at this event.
Why inclusion?, was one of the topics discussed. Because it is the right thing to do. Because it is a human right. Beacause it is imperative. We cannot leave anyone behind.
Together
“In sieme”, together in Italian, was the most repeated word during these two days. The governments need to work together, the civil society needs to to work together, and the governments and the civil society need to work together.
People with disabilities must be at those tables where matters concerning them are discussed.
People with disabilities are equal citizens and have the same rights as everyone. Same needs as everyone.
Laws must respect the UN CRPD, the most ratified of UN conventions.
Follow up
The South African minister promised that as the next president of the G20, South Africa will take Inclusion and Disability to the agenda of their incoming meetings.
The Solfagnano Charter was adopted at the end of the ministerial meeting on Wednesday.
It was good to see the ministers and other government representatives from so many countries so fully committed to pay extra attention to people with disabilties and their families.
Of course, the strength of their commitment will be measured by the real changes for the better in the lives of people with disabilities. It is most important now that the words are followed by actions.