20 ĐORĐEVIĆ v. CROATIA JUDGMENT The need to focus particular attention on the situation of persons with disabilities, in terms of the exercise of their rights on an equal basis with others, is confirmed by the initiatives taken in this area at national and international level. The principle of non-discrimination should be the basis of government policies designed to deliver equality of opportunity for people with disabilities. Access to the legal system is a fundamental right in a democratic society but people with disabilities can often face a number of barriers, including physical access difficulties. This requires a range of measures and positive actions, including general awareness raising among the legal professions about disability issues. 3.12.2. Objectives i. to ensure effective access to justice for persons with disabilities on an equal basis with others; ii. to protect and promote the enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by persons with disabilities on an equal basis with others. 3.12.3. Specific actions by member States i. to provide protection against discrimination through the setting up of specific legislative measures, bodies, reporting procedures and redress mechanisms; ii. to ensure that provisions which discriminate against disabled people are eradicated from mainstream legislation; iii. to promote training on human rights and disability (both national and international) for law enforcement personnel, public officials, judiciary and medical staff; iv. to encourage non-governmental advocacy networks working in defence of people with disabilities’ human rights; v. to ensure people with disabilities have equal access to the judicial system by securing their right to information and communication that are accessible to them; vi. to provide appropriate assistance to those people who experience difficulty in exercising their legal capacity and ensure that it is commensurate with the required level of support; ... 3.13. Action line No. 13: Protection against violence and abuse 3.13.1. Introduction Acts of abuse or violence against any person are unacceptable and society has a duty to ensure that individuals, particularly the most vulnerable, are protected against such abuse.