On International Day of Persons with Disabilities (3 December), Commissioner for Administration and Human Rights Maria Stylianou-Lottides reminded the state that equality, accessibility and active participation of persons with disabilities are non-negotiable duties.
Cyprus has ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, yet significant barriers remain in healthcare, education, employment, leisure and political life. EU data show Cypriots with disabilities face a 28.4 % risk of poverty or social exclusion, compared to 18.4 % for others.
The Commissioner highlighted that the goals of independent living and de-institutionalisation are far from achieved. Over 1.4 million people with disabilities across the EU still live in institutions.
Through her multiple roles, including as the Independent Mechanism for the UN Convention and the National Preventive Mechanism against Torture, her office works on several fronts:
Handling individual complaints to restore violated rights
Pushing for legislative reforms (benefits system, special education, employment incentives)
Inspecting residential care homes, where people with intellectual or psychosocial disabilities often end up due to lack of community alternatives
Running the awareness campaign “Together we break down barriers” to fight discrimination and prejudice
True inclusion means persons with disabilities can enjoy their human rights on an equal basis – with independence, participation and dignity.
