Disabled or not we are all citizens

[2/10/2007]

“Disabled or not, we are all EU citizens.

We are coming to Brussels to stand for our rights”

On the 4th of October, delegations of disabled people travelling from 30 different European countries will gather in Brussels to call on the European Union for comprehensive disability legislation.

Brussels, 2 October 2007 – The outdoor gathering will take place next Thursday between 13H00 and 15H00, at Rond-Point Schuman in Brussels, were most European institutions buildings are located.

José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission and Hans-Gert Pöttering, President of the European Parliament, have confirmed their participation to the event, as well as Idalia Moniz, on behalf of the Portuguese Presidency of the European Union and various Belgian authorities.

It is in the framework of the “1million4disability campaign”, led by the European Disability Forum, that this multicultural and positive gathering will be taking place. Since last January, EDF and its member organisations have met the challenge of collecting one million signatures across the EU in favour of a comprehensive European disability legislation that will protect disabled people from discrimination in all fields of life. During the event, the signatures will be handed over to the EU leaders.

This is the first time since 1997 that the European disability movement representatives will gather at such large scale. 10 years ago, the mobilisations in the streets of Rotterdam and Amsterdam lead to the integration of the first disability reference in the EU Treaties.

The aim of the Brussels event will also be to increase the visibility of the 50 million people with disabilities in Europe, who face discrimination and exclusion on daily basis an in all the Member States.

Date of the event:    4th of October 2007
Time of the event:   From 13H00 to 15H00
Venue:    Rond-Point Schuman, Brussels (1000), Belgium

Contact person: Helena González-Sancho Bodero, EDF Communication and Press Officer – Phone: + 32 2 282 46 04; Mobile: + 32 485 64 39 93; email: communication@edf-feph.org

Photo pictures EDF can provide photo pictures of the event upon request

Interviews: To receive information on the composition of each delegation or to arrange interviews, please contact EDF Communication and Press Officer.

The European Disability Forum (EDF) is the European umbrella organisation representing the interests of 50 million disabled citizens in Europe. EDF membership includes national umbrella organisations of disabled people from all EU/EEA countries, as well as European NGOs representing the different types of disabilities, organisations and individuals committed to disability issues. The mission of the European Disability Forum is to ensure disabled people full access to fundamental and human rights through their active involvement in policy development and implementation in Europe.

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Disabled or not we are all citizens

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1.364.984 signatures !