| Author (Person) | Banks, Martin |
|---|---|
| Series Title | European Voice |
| Series Details | Vol.9, No.38, 13.11.03, p4 |
| Publication Date | 13/11/2003 |
| Content Type | News |
|
By Martin Banks Date: 13/11/03 A YEAR-long initiative aimed at raising awareness about the rights of people with disabilities has been a flop, according to disabled campaigners and MEPs. A two-day conference at the European Parliament heard this week that the European Year of People with Disabilities (EYPD) had not achieved as much as had been hoped. MEP Liz Lynne, rapporteur for EYPD 2003, told delegates she has written to Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern asking what his government intends to do to advance the cause of disabled people when it takes over the rotating EU presidency in January. She said: "Despite some progress, EYPD has been a disappointment in terms of achieving definite outcomes in the cause of disabled rights." The European Commission has introduced legislation this year promoting access for the disabled to employment, but Liberal Democrat Lynne says this is not enough. "The European Parliament voted earlier this year for an EU-wide disability directive to secure equal access and civil rights of disabled people, yet the Commission has refused to bring it forward. "If we're to make any progress, it will need the active support of member states and, in particular, the presidency. "Silvio Berlusconi's Italian presidency has been disappointing in this respect, but I am hopeful we will receive a more sympathetic ear from Ireland's Taoiseach." Richard Howitt, president of the Parliament's disability rights group, commented: "The existing European disabled employment directive means nothing if disabled people cannot get education, housing or transport which would enable them to hold down a job." The MEPs' comments were echoed by some of the 200 people from 28 countries who packed into the Parliament's hemicycle for a debate on 10-11 November. Belgian Olivier Eugene, 28, who is confined to a wheelchair after a road accident, said: "I don't think EYPD has achieved all that much really. Much, much more still needs to be done to end discrimination against people like me." Disabled campaigners and MEPs meeting on 10-11 November 2003 in the Chamber of the European Parliament in Brussels felt that the 'European Year of People with Disabilities 2003' had not achieved as much as had been anticipated. |
|
| Related Links |
|
| Subject Categories | Employment and Social Affairs |
