Promoting the social inclusion of people with disabilities

The Minister of Labor promises

We are committed to take all necessary measures within the framework of our responsibilities and the current economic data, to promote the social inclusion of all persons with disabilities, said the Minister of Labor Sotiroula Charalambous.

Welcoming her at a Scientific Conference of the Pancyprian Association of Multiple Sclerosis on Sunday, Ms. Charalambous said that "as the Ministry of Labor and Social Security, we recognize our obligation to create a society free from all forms of discrimination for people with disabilities. to take all the necessary measures within the framework of our responsibilities, but also within the framework of the current economic data, to promote the social integration of all persons with disabilities, regardless of the type and degree of their disability.

The Minister went on to say that "the fight against discrimination in the professional sector, the promotion of social and professional integration for all persons with disabilities, the sensitization of the wider society to the difficulties faced by persons with mobility problems and the achievement of accessibility in all areas are in the immediate goals of our Ministry within the framework of our targeted policies for people with disabilities ".

He referred to the quota law passed in 2009, which concerns the recruitment of people with disabilities in the wider public sector at a rate of 10%, expressing the position that "it is an important step for the social and professional rehabilitation of all people with disabilities."

"Already, the results of its implementation in the last two years are very encouraging, taking into account the current economic data of our country," he said.

According to Ms. Charalambous, "also an important step in improving the quality of life of people with disabilities in our country and combating discrimination against them is the ratification and recent entry into force of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Rights of Persons with Disabilities ".

The Convention, he explained, "is a practical tool that indicates the measures, programs and actions we need to develop, in addition to what we already have, to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of the rights and fundamental freedoms of all persons with disabilities." disabilities ".

At the same time, the Minister referred to the European Disability Strategy 2010-2020, which in combination with the national action plans drawn up in EU countries, lead to additional measures and programs that will improve the quality of life of people with disabilities.

Finally, Ms. Charalambous expressed her optimism that "the efforts of the sciences to find the appropriate methods of treatment of multiple sclerosis, will soon have the desired results."