European protest day to equality for people with disabilities in Berlin - SOVD sets signs against discrimination and a lack of inclusion

European protest day to equality for people with disabilities in Berlin - SOVD sets signs against discrimination and a lack of inclusion

On Sunday, May 5th, the European Protest Day to equality for people with disabilities takes place. This protest day was created in 1992 by the advocates of the interests of Germany (ISL) and has been celebrated annually since then. Initially, the goal was to create a legal basis for equality for disabled people. Today it is increasingly about making discrimination and a lack of inclusion in society.

For the 32nd time, an alliance of disabled people's policy organizations around the Social Association of Germany (SOVD) calls on the protest day. This year's motto is "live self -determined - without barriers". The SOVD will be represented by its youth organization and the co-organizers SOVD state association Berlin-Brandenburg. With publicity actions such as a demonstration and a rally, they set a strong sign against discrimination and for inclusion. The demonstration starts on May 5 at 12 p.m. at Bebelplatz in Berlin and leads over the Linden to the Red Rathaus, where the rally will take place at 1 p.m. The SOVD state chairman Ursula Engelen-Kefer and the SOVD youth will be on site to work for the SOVD's demands.

The CEO of the SOVD, Michaela Engelmeier, emphasizes the need for this protest day: "Unfortunately, May 5th remains a protest day, because for many affected people there are discrimination and lack of inclusion. We will not let go until this injustice has been overcome and we can explain the protest day for equality and accessibility."

In March 2009, the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities came into force, the aim of which is to enable everyone with disabilities to participate equally in social life. Despite the signing of the convention and numerous national legislative initiatives, there is still a great need for action in Germany, especially in the areas of health, living, education, work and mobility. The SOVD CEO demands that more speeds have to be made here to overcome Germany's gap. With regard to the implementation of the equal participation of people with disabilities, the federal government, the federal states and the municipalities recently also criticized the United Nations in Geneva. It is required that the matters of people with disabilities are finally given priority and parallel structures are broken down.

The demonstration on May 5th begins at 12 p.m. at Bebelplatz in Berlin and the rally takes place at 1 p.m. in front of the Red City Hall. Further information on the participation of the SOVD and for the protest day in general can be found under the listed links.

In the following you will find a table with facts for equality for people with disabilities in Germany:

| Aspect | Current state |
| —————- | ——————— |
| Health | Need for action |
| Living | Need for action |
| Education | Need for action |
| Work | Need for action |
| Mobility | Need for action |

Source: Social Association Germany (SoVD)/OTS