NGOs seek legal recognition that locking people in Finnish institutions is not a lawful response to Covid-19 epidemic
ONLINE PRESS CONFERENCE: Today, 27 November 2020, 15:00 – 15:45 CET. Will be livestreamed on www.facebook.com/ValidityFoundation – no registration required
On 26 November 2020, Validity together with the Finnish Law Firm Kumpuvuori Ltd and the European Network on Independent Living filed a collective complaint against Finland to the European Committee on Social Rights. The complaint focuses on Finland’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and argues that locking people up in institutions is not a lawful response to the emergency situation. Instead, the Government has an obligation to develop emergency solutions by discharging people with disabilities, with appropriate supports, into the community.
Join us for a press conference with the representatives of the complainant organisations online on 27 November at 15.00 CET. International Sign Language interpretation and Captioning will be provided.
Speakers will include:
- Jukka Kumpuvuori, Disability Rights Lawyer, Law Firm Kumpuvuori Ltd. (Finland), and European Network on Independent Living
- Petri Virolainen, personal testimony
- Ines Bulic Cojocariu, Deputy Director, European Network on Independent Living
- Ann Campbell, Co-Executive Director and head of litigation, Validity Foundation
- Steven Allen, Co-Executive Director and head of advocacy, Validity Foundation (moderator)
Notes for editors:
- Full news story and the complaint available here.
- For interviews – press@validity.ngo or call Steven Allen on +36302528444