No BSF 43

Parliamentary resolution on equalisation of opportunities and equal treatment of persons with disabilities

Submitted by the Danish Minister for Social Affairs (Else Winther Andersen) on 11 December 1992.

Passed at the second (last) reading on 2 April 1993.

The Danish Parliament recommends all State and municipal authorities as well as private enterprises, whether subsidised or not

• to comply with the principle of equalisation of opportunities and equal treatment of disabled persons and other citizens, and
• in all relevant areas to take into account and create opportunities for appropriate solutions having regard to the needs of  disabled persons in connection with the preparation of resolutions.

In many cases the matters that need to be taken into account will require a substantial insight into the circumstances of disabled persons and the effects of given disabilities. Both authorities and individuals will need to be able to draw on special expertise.

Further, it must be ensured that persons with disabilities are in all areas of society treated on equal terms with other citizens.

In the light of this, the Danish Parliament recommends to the Danish Government that a unit for equal treatment and dissemination of information be set up to provide the necessary expert assistance under the auspices of the Danish Disabilities Council under the Danish Ministry of Social Affairs.

The objective of this unit will be both nationally and internationally to collect, initiate and disseminate the necessary information and expertise on the circumstances of disabled persons and the effects of given disabilities. The unit is furthermore to pay attention to cases where persons with disabilities are discriminated against so that the Danish Disabilities Council can take up the problem with the relevant authority.

The Danish Parliament shall receive an annual report on developments in the area.

The Danish Parliament requests the Folketing Ombudsman to watch developments in the field of equal treatment and possibly present any criticism where this can be done within the jurisdiction of the office of Ombudsman.