On the
8th of May 2007, in the NGO Info Center in Skopje,
the Republic Center for
Support of Persons with Intellectual Disability – PORAKA held press
conference and promotion of the National Campaign “Through diversity
to equality in the society”. We transmit the presentation of Vaslika
Dimoska, MD, Program Manager in PORAKA
 In 2002 the European Union adopted two Directives for preventing
discrimination and in 2005 by adopting the law for anti-discrimination;
the European Commission recommended that 2007 should be appointed
as the European Year of Equal Opportunities for All.
The aim of this initiative is to provide additional momentum for realization
of campaigns for anti-discrimination and promotion of equal opportunities
for all, at the same time sending the message for contributions from
diversity in the democratic societies in Europe.
Calls for equal opportunities, adopting laws that will guarantee rights
is not sufficient for providing and practicing equal opportunities in
everyday life for all citizens in the society. The need for encouraging
and developing public awareness is emphasized, than change the attitude
and mentality. At the same time, it is necessary to take measures which
will reach to complex models of inequality of certain groups and societies
in Europe by revealing the root of
these problems and realizing the changes in the society.
The actions taken within this year should be supported with clear politics
determination and complete support aimed towards emphasized strategy
for combating discrimination in Europe, as the European Commission explains
in the document “Framework Strategy for non-discrimination and equal
opportunities for all” (published in June 2005).
The platform of 2007 European Year of Equal Opportunities for All has
three key objectives:
- Citizens in Europe to be
aware of their own rights to non-discrimination and equal treatment
- Promotion of equal opportunities for all - equal treatment
in the society through access to education, employment, health protection
and dignified life in the community.
- Promotion of contributions from accepting the differences
in the democratic society
The activities taken during 2007 European Year of Equal
Opportunities for All will be focused particularly on vulnerable groups
that face discrimination everyday because of their racial or ethnic origin,
religion of belief, disability, age, gender or sexual orientation, i.e.
everything that presents base for discrimination. Special attention should
be given to multiple discrimination that relates to individuals who suffer
unequal/discriminating treatment due to several reasons.
In accordance to all international legally binding documents, principles
and standards, persons with intellectual disability have equal human
rights and they have a right to equal treatment as all other citizens
in the society. Realizing the actual situation in this area in our country,
and especially because of the existing prejudice and negative relation
towards persons with intellectual disability, The Republic Centre - PORAKA
within the “European Year of Equal Opportunities for All” launches national
campaign with the slogan “THROUGH DIVERSITY TO EQUALITY IN THE
SOCIETY”.
The campaign has positive style aimed towards wider public, persons with
intellectual disability and their families, but has special focus towards
the institutions which create the policy and implement the laws on national
and local level. The promotional material of the campaign includes poster,
leaflet and documentary film. The Republic Center for Support of Persons
with Intellectual Disability- PORAKA with its 20 local organizations
continuously will conduct the activities of the campaign on local and
national level during 2007.
The base for the creative strategy of the campaign “THROUGH
DIVERSITY TO EQUALITY IN THE SOCIETY” is the concept of
the European Commission for promotional presentation by the four principles: RIGHTS,
REPRESENTATION, RECOGNITION AND RESPECT:
- RIGHTS: realization of fundamental
human rights (social security, education, health protection and rehabilitation,
employment etc.) and freedoms for persons with intellectual disability,
according to principles for equal treatment, no prejudice, their acceptance
in the community without discrimination.
- REPRESENTATION: positive actions for
overcoming the inequality and elimination of discrimination. Active involvement
in all segments of society, development of sense of belonging which will
contribute for significant advancement in the human, social and economic
development of the society.
- RECOGNITION: Promotion of positive
image for persons with intellectual disability presenting their possibilities
and potentials. To emphasize and value the existence and potential contributions
made by persons with intellectual disability for the overall well-being
and diversity of the democratic society
- RESPECT: Promoting cohesive society
by overcoming the existing prejudice and stereotypes towards persons
with intellectual disability, promoting good relations and mutual respect.
Communication objectives and expected results
The aim of the campaign is through promoting and accepting
diversity to raise public awareness in relation to the needs and the
potentials of the persons with intellectual disability, their human rights
and fundamental freedoms, life without discrimination.
What do we expect of the primary target group (general public):
Breaking down prejudice and stereotypes towards persons with
intellectual disability and their acceptance as equal members of the
community
What do we expect from the secondary target group (decision-makers):
- Ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons
with Disabilities
- Serious action for changing and amending the existing laws
and their harmonization with the European legislation
- Adopting National Strategy for creation of social services.
Acceptance of the NGO sector as equal partner when developing network
of services for persons with intellectual disability in the local
community (establishing regulatory mechanisms: mapping the needs,
accreditation/licensing, contracting, monitoring and evaluation)
The campaign is supported by the Ministry of Labour and Social
Policy, but I use this opportunity to call the media for cooperation and
support, so that they could contribute for successful changes and acceptance
of persons with intellectual disability as equal citizens in our society.
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