Municipalities Fall Short in Implementing Disability Rights

A majority of municipalities in Germany have yet to fully implement the rights outlined in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. According to a study conducted by the Center for Planning and Development of Social Services at the University of Siegen, in collaboration with the German Institute for Human Rights, only 41% of cities and districts with populations exceeding 50,000 ensure accessibility rights, such as barrier-free access to housing, government offices, and schools, or are actively working towards these goals.

Albrecht Rohmann, spokesperson for the center, noted that many municipalities hesitate to invest in accessibility due to budget constraints. He emphasized that retrofitting buildings and infrastructure to be accessible after the fact is often more costly than incorporating accessibility features from the outset during the planning phases of buildings, roads, or digital services.

The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which came into force in 2008, has been mandatory in Germany since 2009. This agreement clarifies human rights in the context of disability and aims to promote equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Among other commitments, the convention mandates that signatory states ensure equal access to transportation, public facilities, and communication technologies for people with disabilities while working to eliminate barriers.

Despite the clear guidelines, Rohmann pointed out that individuals with disabilities need to be more involved in planning and decision-making processes, a practice that currently occurs in only 40% of municipalities.

In summary, the findings of this study underline a significant gap in the implementation of disability rights across German municipalities, highlighting the urgent need for increased investment and involvement of disabled individuals in local governance.