Joint contribution of disability rights organisations to the 2021 EU-Ukraine Human Rights Dialogue

This submission focuses on the situation of children in institutions and the status of the deinstitutionalisation process in Ukraine. Disability Rights International (DRI), European Network on Independent Living (ENIL) and Validity Foundation commend the commitment of European Union to promote the fundamental rights for persons with disabilities and in particular its commitment to deinstitutionalisation of children globally.

No Way Home: The Exploitation and Abuse of Children in Ukraine’s Orphanages

A product of a three-year investigation by Disability Rights International (DRI) into the egregious human rights violations perpetrated against nearly 100,000 children – with and without disabilities – who are left to grow up segregated from society in orphanages, psychiatric facilities, residential boarding schools, and other institutions. For children with disabilities, orphanages are a gateway to lifelong institutionalization in abusive adult facilities.

DRI Op-Ed published in Chicago Tribune: Now is the time for international aid to protect Ukraine’s most vulnerable

May 8, 2014 – Washington, DC – This morning, the Chicago Tribune published an Op-Ed by Disability Rights International (DRI) Executive Director Eric Rosenthal calling for urgent international action to protect the 85,000 children detained in Ukraine’s orphanages. Instead of funding the orphanages that segregate children from society, DRI is urging the United States and other international donors to support programs to help families who wish to keep their children out of institutions.

Disability Rights International opens Kiev, Ukraine advocacy office

July 24, 2013--Kyiv, Ukraine-- Disability Rights International (DRI) is proud to announce the creation of its newest advocacy office in Kyiv, Ukraine. DRI also has regional offices in the Balkans, based in Serbia, and the Americas, based in Mexico City.   DRI-Ukraine is affiliated with DRI but is locally-controlled by Ukrainian advocacy leaders.