Doc. 9733

14 March 2003

Towards concerted efforts for treating and curing spinal cord injury

Recommendation 1560 (2002)

Reply from the Committee of Ministers

adopted at the 831st meeting of the Ministers’ Deputies (12 March 2003)

1.       The Committee of Ministers welcomes this Assembly initiative to improve the treatment of spinal cord injury and to prevent the persistence of lasting damages and subsequent functional limitations. It has decided to draw its governments’ attention to the recommendation and to transmit it to the World Health Organisation and the institutions of the European Union.

2.       It stresses that the principle of early intervention is very much in keeping with its own philosophy as set out in Recommendation No. R(92)6 on a coherent policy for people with disabilities. The latter aims, inter alia, at “preventing or eliminating disablement, preventing its deterioration and alleviating its consequences” (chapter I.1), and at stimulating and promoting research (chapter XII. 2). Consequently, the Committee of Ministers considers that early admission for treatment in specialist rehabilitation centres and adequate funding for scientific research is essential.

3.       The Committee of Ministers underlines that the rehabilitation and integration of people with disabilities goes beyond medical issues relating to possible cure and treatment. Recommendation No. R (92) 6 sets out a comprehensive model programme encompassing all stages in the rehabilitation and integration process, and all areas of life and participation in society. It also stipulates that “research should be part of a coherent general policy referring to all aspects of human life and society” (chapter XII.2.4).

4.       Attention should be drawn to the impact new technologies can have on the quality of life of persons with disabilities. In this respect, the Committee of Ministers would like to refer to its Resolution ResAP(2001)3 “Towards full citizenship of people with disabilities through inclusive new technologies”, and to the report of the Committee on the Rehabilitation and Integration of People with disabilities (Partial Agreement)
(CD-P-RR) “The impact of new technologies on the quality of life of persons with disabilities”, Council of Europe Publishing, Strasbourg, 2002.

5.       On the issue of the desirability of establishing international administrative structures linked to spinal cord injury research, the Committee of Ministers considers that any related decision should be left to the discretion of the member states and international organisations concerned.

6.       Finally, the Committee of Ministers underlines the significance of the European Year of People with Disabilities 2003 and that the Council of Europe’s main contribution will be the holding of the Second European Conference of Ministers responsible for integration policies for people with disabilities on 7-8 May 2003 in Malaga, Spain. The theme for the Conference will be “Improving the quality of life of people with disabilities: enhancing a coherent policy for and through full participation”. In that context, the Committee of Ministers may look into the possibilities of instructing the appropriate intergovernmental committees to develop strategies to promote spinal cord injury research and prevention as well as access for people with disabilities to new medical technologies.