The representatives of the organisation board of the protest of persons with disabilities, scheduled for 3 October 2016, asked to be seen by the Committee Chairman so that they could inform him of the problems plaguing people with disabilities and the demands they intend to send to the relevant authorities.

They underlined the following demands: increase of the caregivers allowance paid per degree of disability, elimination of VAT for medical aids, that the discriminating term “persons” or “people” with special needs be stricken off official or any other kind of communication, more intensive and adequate employment of persons with disabilities, elimination of barriers in public transportation vehicles and that persons with disabilities be secured active participation in political life, in the National Assembly and local-self-government bodies.

The Committee chairman said that though some progress has been made in improving the rights of persons with disabilities, due to the overall financial situation and poor employment, they remain one of the most vulnerable groups in Serbia. He stands ready, as does the Committee he chairs, to champion the issues of persons with disabilities, protect their rights, ensure equality and ban discrimination.

The participants agreed that persons with disabilities should, through their associations and organisations, be partners to the state in defining policies and implementing measures aimed at advancing their position.

The meeting was attended by Committee member Marija Janjusevic. On the behalf of the organisation board of the protest of persons with disabilities the meeting was attended by Nevena Jovanovic, Vladimir Tomasic and Luka Joksimovic Barbat.