European Court of Human Rights clarifies scope of positive obligations of national governments to ensure full accessibility to persons with disabilities . 

On 26 October 2021, the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) published the judgment for the case Toplak and Mrak v. Slovenia (applications nos. 34591/19 and 42545/19), concerning whether the lack of accessibility of polling stations is contrary to the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). Equinet was closely following the proceedings given that, for the first time, it submitted an amicus curiae brief to the ECtHR that is also referred to in the judgment. Although the applicants encountered  obstacles to cast their votes because of their disability during a number of elections, the Court arrived at the conclusion that they were not discriminated against. This post summarises the facts, the Court’s decision, and comments on the outcome.