Priority 7

Priority 7 – Dignity of life and appropriate community-based services

Ensuring dignity and autonomy for persons with disabilities means removing not only physical barriers, but also cultural ones that hinder equal participation in social life. It is essential to promote awareness of each person's capabilities and to overcome stereotypes, discrimination and all forms of violence, with particular attention to women, children, the elderly, and the most vulnerable groups.

Dignity is also achieved through meaningful social relationships, freedom of choice and access to adequate services. For this reason, the G7 nations are committed to making community services - including health, social, and welfare services - accessible and flexible, built on a universal approach and adaptable to individual needs, in order to improve quality of life and promote genuine community inclusion.

It is essential that services offer trained, competent and sensitive staff, capable of combating prejudice and providing care and assistance that respects the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities. This also applies to complex disabilities or those associated with rare diseases, which require specialist and integrated support models.

Finally, the right of persons with disabilities to make decisions for themselves (with support, where necessary) is reaffirmed. Dignity, self-determination and autonomy are closely related principles, and ensuring they are respected is the foundation of a truly inclusive and just society.