International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Cyprus Social Ecology Movement, on the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, expresses its disregard for the situation and the response of the government and the Cyprus society against the problems of disable people.

Unfortunately, situations and practices of previous decades, still exist now. Disabled people are not yet fully considered within development issues. They are still excluded from society, work and social events. Even where effective disability legislation is in place, the implementation lacks ideas and is hindered by negative attitudes towards disabled people.

The annual observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3 December, aims to promote:

• an understanding of disability issues
• the rights of persons with disabilities
• gains to be derived from the integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of the political, social, economic and cultural life of their communities.

The Day provides an opportunity to mobilize action to achieve the goal of full and equal enjoyment of human rights and participation in society by persons with disabilities, established by the World Program of Action concerning Disabled Persons, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1982.