Description
Lithuania has ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2010. Despite the fact that the convention entrenches provision that persons with disabilities should be involved and participate in all issues related to the creation of mechanism of implementation of the convention’s provisions, they are not involved. Our project aims at enhancing influence of NGOs working on this matter in ensuring implementation of the provisions of the convention and participation in forming of disability policy. Our project outcomes are: that the capacity of NGOs in this field gets built, advocacy skills of disability NGOs developed, role of civil control strengthened and that the NGO monitoring on implementation of the convention’s provisions gets performed. The project promoter will produce a shadow report, implement advocacy campaign for independent living in the community for mental health services users, conduct capacity building trainings for these NGOs, and formulate statements on priority issues of disability policy.
Summary of project results
Lithuania has ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2010. According to Convention persons with disabilities should be involved and fully participate in creation of the mechanism of implementation of Convention’s provisions, however Lithuanian disability community was denied this opportunity – disability NGOs lack advocacy skills and knowledge, civil society lacks awareness while no traditions of civic control are present. Taking this into account the project was aimed at enhancing influence of disability NGOs in ensuring effective implementation of the provisions of the Convention and participation in shaping of disability policy. Project promoter has organized a national advocacy campaign on deinstitutionalisation. It consisted of 10 thematic discussions at the centres of 10 Lithuanian counties complemented by the exhibitions of social photography "Identity Illusion" portraying the routine of the institutionalised persons. In addition to that, 2 social actions were organised. Art installation “Izobatorius” was demonstrated during the Vilnius Culture Night, exhibition “Identity Illusion” was complemented with the history of former Lithuanian manors transformed to social care institutions. The social action “International Independent Living Day” was dedicated to the right of people with disabilities to decide where and with whom they want to live and be supported to realize this choice. 4 trainings for NGO leaders were organized: (i) advocacy trainings were dedicated to advocacy strategy development and implementation; (ii) trainings on the realisation of the right to be equally treated against the law introduced alternative measures such as supported decision making and substitute to decision taker; (iii) trainings on personal assistance were focused on the right of a person with disability to get personalized assistance; (iv) trainings on development and implementation of communication strategy. The most significant output was the Alternative Report on Implementation of CRPD in Lithuania. It was prepared by the disability NGOs and presented and defended at the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disability in Geneva. Recommendations issued by the Committee will become the background for further activities of LDF. Project has inspired disability rights activists to actively participate in different inter-sectorial work groups advocating for the decisions in favor of people with disabilities.
Summary of bilateral results