On Monday, October 27, a protest will take place in front of the Cyprus Ministry of Education in Nicosia under the slogan “Raise your voice for inclusion - raise your voice for every child.”
Excluding children with disabilities from classes
According to the organizers, the reason for the rally was the unfair exclusion of two children with disabilities from school. Parents claim that authorities are trying to transfer their children to a special institution without the family's consent, which they regard as forced exclusion and a violation of the right to education.
The organizers' poster states:
“We will not remain silent. Bring your voice, your poster and your heart. Let’s say together: “there is no exception!”
Who supports the action and what the participants demand
The campaign is supported by several public organizations, including Embrace of Hope (Αγκαλιά Ελπίδας), the Pan-Cyprus Organization of the Blind and the Association of People with ADHD (ΔΕΠΥ). It is expected that other associations will join them.
According to the OmegaLive portal, we are talking about two children with autism who are trying to be transferred to a specialized school against the will of their parents. Families claim discrimination, violence and attempts to “rob children of their right to education” while demanding equality and inclusion.
It is reported that the Ministry of Education and the Commissioner for Human Rights, Maria Stilaνού-Lottidi, were notified of the situation, and the parents contacted her with a request for intervention.
The protest will begin at 10:00 at the Ministry of Education building at Θουκυδίδου 1434, Nicosia.
Source: OmegaLive.com.cy
