Eric Rosenthal (activist)

Eric Rosenthal is an American human rights activist, lawyer, and disability rights advocate. He is best known for his work with Disability Rights International (DRI), an organization he founded in 1993.

Rosenthal has dedicated his career to investigating and exposing human rights abuses against people with disabilities globally, particularly those living in institutions and psychiatric facilities. He has conducted fact-finding missions and documented systemic abuse, neglect, and discrimination in numerous countries across the Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. His reports have been instrumental in advocating for deinstitutionalization, independent living, and the rights of people with disabilities to be included in their communities.

Rosenthal's work has contributed to legal reforms, policy changes, and improved conditions for people with disabilities worldwide. He has worked closely with international organizations like the United Nations, the World Health Organization, and the Council of Europe, as well as with national governments and disability rights organizations, to promote the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). He is a frequent speaker and consultant on disability rights issues. He holds a law degree and has published extensively on disability rights and related human rights topics.