The Global Coalition on Deinstitutionalization (GC-DI) calls on all bodies and agencies of the United Nations to support the implementation of the UN Guidelines on Deinstitutionalization, including in Emergencies. We call on States parties and regional integration organizations to align reform processes with this authoritative guidance, and urge all stakeholders to ensure that deinstitutionalization conforms to the letter and spirit of the Convention and prioritizes the leadership of persons with disabilities.
In October 2020, the COVID-19 Disability Rights Monitor released its global report on the experiences of persons with disabilities and the consequences of government action and inaction. It revealed an egregious failure to protect people living in residential institutions, many of which became centres of infection during the pandemic. Instead of prioritizing emergency measures to reintegrate people into the community, many institutions were locked down, with fatal consequences.
Responding to these findings, the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities established a working group to develop Guidelines supplementing General Comment No. 5 and providing concrete guidance on deinstitutionalization, including in emergency situations.
In June 2021, eight leading international organizations of persons with disabilities and civil-society organizations formed GC-DI to support persons with disabilities worldwide in participating in the development of the Guidelines.
GC-DI members supported seven regional consultations organized by the Committee in 2021. More than 500 women with disabilities, children and older persons with disabilities, survivors of institutionalization, persons with albinism, grassroots and self-advocacy organizations, and other civil-society organizations presented testimony, experiences, and proposals.
On 20 May 2022, the Committee published the draft Guidelines and opened a public consultation. GC-DI members translated the draft into multiple languages and organized webinars across Europe, Latin America, Asia, and Africa to explain its background, purpose, and key elements.
Institutional trauma needs to be addressed.
Survivor of institutionalization, Romania
A key part of institutional closure is stopping the placement of people in institutions. Preventive community-based support, including outreach support to people with psychosocial disabilities, is essential.
Organization of Persons with Disabilities
During its 27th session in 2022, the Committee adopted the Guidelines on Deinstitutionalization, including in Emergencies.
The new Guidelines should help ensure that states, service providers, and others stop hijacking the language of independent or community living while continuing to keep disabled people in institutions. We need real deinstitutionalization.
Nadia Hadad, Co-Chair, European Network on Independent Living
The adoption of the Guidelines is the beginning of a new journey for organizations of persons with disabilities working on deinstitutionalization and community inclusion. Translating them into practical guidance adapted to each country is the next essential step.
Connie Laurin-Bowie, Executive Director, Inclusion International
The Guidelines recognize that institutionalization is not only discrimination in violation of the CRPD, but a form of violence that exposes children and adults to dangerous treatment and abuse.
Eric Rosenthal, Executive Director, Disability Rights International
GC-DI is committed to supporting dissemination, accessible versions, translations, and implementation so that the Guidelines generate real changes in the lives of persons with disabilities.
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