Disabled Peruvians "Stand-in" to Protest Presidential Inaction
By Kay Schriner (kays@uark.edu)
Members of Peru's Confederacion Nacional de Discapacitados del Peru (CONFENADIP) have been on a "stand in" in front of the Government Palace since April 22. And three individuals with disabilities began a hunger strike on April 24.
CONFENADIP is unhappy with Peru's new president, Dr. Alejandro Toledo, whom they say has broken promises made to Peru's disabled citizens. Among these is President Toledo's pledge to hire three persons with disabilities to be a part of his government.
CONFENADIP is also asking the government to provide $10 million in emergency relief to address the employment, health, education, and accessibility problems experienced by Peruvians with disabilities.
In addition, CONFENADIP is asking for a reorganization of the government agency that addresses disability issues.
CONFENADIP is a member of Disabled Peoples' International, an international organization devoted to promoting human rights for persons with disabilities.
|
