Following the announcement of the pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11 this year, we face a global challenge. A state of emergency has been declared in Macedonia and in the following period it is extremely important for the authorities to adhere to the recommendations of the World Health Organization, and for institutions, organizations, the private sector and humanitarian associations to pay special attention in order to meet the needs of persons with disabilities.
Due to insufficient addressing of issues faced by socially vulnerable groups and especially persons with disabilities within policies and measures undertaken by relevant institutions in the country, the Association for Active Inclusion and Appropriate Treatment of Persons With Disabilities “EQUALITY” and the Center for Support of Persons with Disability “PRKOS” prepared a list of recommendations.
NO for stigmatization!
No for stigmatization of people with disabilities, one of the most vulnerable groups of citizens, in order to avoid unfair treatment leading to self-identification as second-class citizens or stigmatized as persons that transmit infectious diseases.
Respecting special measures proposed by the Government!
It is recommended the private and public sector to immediately adjust to the recommendations and to relieve of a duty all persons with disabilities, not only those of chronic illnesses, but as well in accordance to any workers with substantial health issues.
Social security transfers shall be conducted in timely manner!
Systematic settlements of the approved funds within the social policies, and taking under consideration adoption of new measures affecting the most vulnerable social groups. To significant percentage of socially marginalized categories those shall be the only source for existence and cover the basic costs of medical care, drugs and hygiene.
Encouraging to all local-government institutions and the Red Cross to establish support services!
We call upon all units of local self-government and the Red Cross, but also local associations, with adequate resources to join the initiative of the Red Cross of Skopje and several municipalities, in order to assist them in acquiring groceries and providing medical care treatments.
Equality in acquiring health services and opening priority assistance via telephone!
Health institutions responsible for public health to propose ways to establish closer contact with peoples with disabilities, in order to provide uninterrupted care for improving their health state and psychological condition. Public Health Centers and Public Health Institutions to approve direct contact with the person responsible for persons with disabilities in case of emergency.
Promoting social responsibility from the institutions and the private sector!
All public institutions and the private sector are encouraged to offer dedicated telephone contact with persons with disabilities, in order to help and contribute to their needs, and as a direct consequence of the governmental measures, but especially primarily due to the restriction of one of the basic human rights, the right to free movement. We recommend above mentioned to become a standard practice as well after the Pandemic is considered over!
Media and public information!
We strongly recommend for the media, relevant institutions, bodies, both private and public, as well as the non-governmental sector to adhere to the following guidelines and recommendations of the World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/technical-guidance. To practice balanced and fact-focused communication in order to avoid causing serious health consequences for the population of vulnerable categories of citizens.
Acting in case of abuse or violation of the rights of persons with disabilities!
If persons with disabilities are subject of abuse of any nature, or face a violation of their rights, those affected and witnessing such practices shall immediately contact the authorities or organizations for protection of the rights of persons with disabilities in their community or place of residence!
Following these recommendations will help manage the processes of information delivered to the public, appropriate response and in timely manner, but above all in order to prevent violations and crimes to socially vulnerable groups of citizens, exposed on regular bases to daily challenges that directly affect their lifes and health condition.
We urge people with disabilities to adhere to the recommendations of the Government, to be careful about their health and to remain calm for the duration of this temporary state of emergency, to seek help from their loved ones or within their surrounding communities, to use all appropriate channels of communication with the authorities, local and health institutions whenever they feet need, in order to maintain a high level of awareness of their own health state, the possible risks of its disruption, as well as to act in cases when they find themselves in a threatening situation.
