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Ombudsman Criticizes MEP's Statement on People with Intellectual Disabilities

Published January 26, 2026, 12:18
Ombudsman Criticizes MEP's Statement on People with Intellectual Disabilities

The Commissioner for Administration and Protection of Human Rights, Maria Stylianou Lottides, criticized a Member of the European Parliament's (MEP) statement regarding people with intellectual disabilities, describing it as an expression of outdated perceptions. Ms. Lottides emphasized that the statement indicates a lack of respect and inclusion, and that the road to equality and non-discrimination is still long. She recalled the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and stressed that derogatory language from people in positions of power can perpetuate discrimination and undermine the values of a democratic society. The Commissioner called for respect for human dignity and the elimination of barriers that prevent the full participation of people with disabilities in society.