COVID-19 Disability Rights Monitor (DRM) calls for an emergency response to the catastrophic abuse of the human rights of persons with disabilities in institutions 

On 20 April 2020, the COVID-19 Disability Rights Monitor (DRM) launched an international survey to monitor state measures concerning persons with disabilities amid the pandemic. The initial analysis of the ongoing global survey has revealed grave and systemic violations of fundamental freedoms and human rights of persons with disabilities detained in large- and small-scale institutions, which have become the epicenter of COVID-19 infections and deaths.

Safety through Inclusion: The Case for Emergency Deinstitutionalization - webinar series

People with disabilities, international human rights authorities, and activists discuss: Immediate threats to the health and life of children and adults in institutions due to COVID-19; Emergency protections against irreparable harm through international human rights systems; How to protect people with disabilities through community inclusion and emergency deinstitutionalization; The case for an international commission to protect people with disabilities in institutions through inclusion and emergency deinstitutionalization.

Action steps to protect children and adults with disabilities during COVID-19 pandemic - especially in institutions and orphanages

Disability Rights International (DRI) is dedicated to promoting the basic human rights of people with disabilities, including the right to grow up with a family and live the community (DRI reports are posted at www.DRIadvocacy.org). For over 25 years DRI has worked around the globe documenting the human rights concerns of children and adults living in institutions, including nursing homes, social care facilities, psychiatric hospitals, orphanages, shelters, residential care, or even congregate community treatment facilities.

Action Steps to Protect Children and Adults with Disabilities During COVID-19 Pandemic

Given what DRI has already documented in dozens of countries - the close quarters where people are detained, the lack of opportunity for social distancing or quarantine, as well as inadequate staffing, habilitation and medical care - thousands of children and adults with disabilities are at immediate risk.  The infection of any person placed in a facility or staff member means a high risk of death for anyone at that facility.

Alternative Report by Mexican Civil Society Organizations Submitted to the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

This report is submitted to the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (hereinafter “The Committee” or “CRPD Committee”) for the working group of the pre-session 12, which will be held from September 23 to 27, 2019, to determine the list of issues for the CRPD Committee’s evaluation of Mexico.