The COVID-19 Disability Rights Monitor Coordinating Group express their alarm about increasing police violence against persons with disabilities in the context of the pandemic, and are calling on governments around the world to take urgent steps to prevent acts of brutality.

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.

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.

Since 20 April 2020, through a global survey, the COVID-19 Disability Rights Monitor (DRM) has been gathering data to conduct rapid independent monitoring of state measures concerning persons with disabilities in the context of the pandemic.

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.

Disability Rights International (DRI) has joined forces with several other disability organizations to initiate a global data collection - via questionnaire survey - to help measure the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the lives of children and adults with disabilities throughout the world. To learn more please see below.

Dear DRI Friends and Supporters,

Disability Rights International (DRI) has launched an immediate global effort to protect the lives of children and adults with disabilities amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dear DRI Friend & Supporter,

Thank you.