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Commissioner for Administration: Outdated Views in MEP's Statement on People with Intellectual Disabilities

Published January 26, 2026, 12:15
Commissioner for Administration: Outdated Views in MEP's Statement on People with Intellectual Disabilities

The Commissioner for Administration, Maria Stilianou Lottidou, strongly criticized a Member of the European Parliament's statement regarding people with intellectual disabilities, describing it as unacceptable and expressing the view that it does not promote respect and inclusion. The Commissioner emphasized that the characterization of a person with a disability as 'deficient' reveals outdated views and stereotypes, undermining the struggle for the recognition of the human rights of people with disabilities. She highlighted that the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities defines disability as a long-term impairment that, in interaction with barriers, can hinder full participation in society. Ms. Lottidou warned that the use of derogatory language by people in positions of power can erode the foundations of a democratic society based on equality and respect for human rights.