Rome - Resolution

EUROPEAN YEAR OF PEOPLE  WITH  DISABILITIES - EYPD - 2003

FIMITIC EVENTS IN ROME,  ITALY, APRIL 3 - 5,  2003

EUROPE OF EQUAL CITIZENS - A SOCIETY FOR ALL  !

R  O  M  E        R  E  S  O  L  U  T  I  O  N

FIMITIC, the International Federation of Persons with Physical Disability,

on the occasion of its marking Rome events under the auspices of the European Year of People with Disabilities - EYPD -2003 adopts the following statement:

  • that not enough attention is paid to the socio-political challenges in Europe; on the contrary, many countries are cutting down heavily on social expenditure

  • that creation of equal opportunities for all persons with disabilities in Europe and in all parts of the world by setting an legal end of discrimination has top priority, recognizing disability as a human rights issue

  • economic, financial and social policies are interrelated, however the difficult general market economy conditions should not be allowed to negatively affecting the living and working conditions, particularly those of people with disabilities

  • restructuring the national budgets must not be carried through primarily at the expense of the social service systems

  • rationalisation in nearly all spheres of life must not be allowed to lead to dehumanisation

  • poverty, starvation and deplorable social conditions are taking incredible proportions

  • that the respect for human life demands the avoidance of any kind of violence. It is necessary to avert wars which ends in catastrophes, starvation, misery, disease and disability

  • living, environmental and working conditions in society play an instrumental part in the incident of disabilities

  • the prevention of disabilities must therefore be placed in the centre of all endeavours

  • the widespread unemployment reduces to a frightening extent the equal opportunities for people with disabilities on the job market. All countries are urged, both legislatively and executively, to take effective measures to oppose this development towards a future oriented integrated employment strategy

  • an environment without obstacles is essential to secure equal opportunities in social and cultural life

  • the prejudices towards people with disabilities must be broken down and mutual understanding build up to improve the social integration

  • living independently by providing the necessary care and personal assistance is the step towards a society for all

  • in order to create a common European social area and not only economic integration the awareness raising initiatives to be enhanced if carried out by disabled people themselves

Delegates´ Conference Rome, Italy, April 5, 2003

The International Federation of Persons with Physical Disabilities (FIMITIC) created in 1953 is a Non Governmental human rights umbrella federation of representative national organisations throughout Europe. FIMITIC does focus itÂ’s activities on ensuring equalization of opportunities and full participation of persons with physical disabilities. FIMITIC has advisory status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations, the Council of Europe and is registered on the International Labour Office Special List. FIMITIC is full member of the European Disability Forum (EDF).