5 Questions to: the National Coalition of Disabled People - Greece

Every month we put the spotlight on one of our members. This month, we are delighted to catch up with our new member the National Coalition of Disabled People of Greece, represented by its President Ioannis Vardakastanis.

1.       What’s on top of your agenda?

The protection of the rights of disabled people and people with chronic diseases is our prime objective, overarching social inclusion, decent living conditions, social protection, the elimination of all injustices and forms of discrimination against persons with disabilities and people with chronic diseases. These are obvious human rights for which we fight today and we will continue to do so in the future. We also work to improve access to welfare, education, fair benefits and pensions, health coverage and care. Focusing on these important topics is now more crucial than ever, as we see a growing concern from the population that public institutions will cut down the healthcare budget.

2.       Why does your organisation exist?

In times of crisis, we should ensure that no one is left behind. We exist to protect the rights of disabled people and discuss with the different government bodies, but also with other organisations of the Greek civil society.

3.       What is your biggest achievement as an organisation?

We have been fighting for every aspect of social life for a long time and many objectives haven been achieved so far. If I had to name one, I would say the ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) by the Greek parliament. This is something that is going to have a profound impact on the lives of disabled people in the next decades, provided the provisions contained in the UNCRPD are properly implemented. 

4.       What is for you the key benefit of your organisation’s involvement in EPF?

EPF has played an important role in the patient’s movement in Europe and NCDP is very proud to be a member of this strong and united patient community. We share the same values and we believe that, through our EPF membership, we can have a greater knowledge of the European health scene. Being a member of such a network also offers the opportunity to meet with other patient organisations and an excellent way of learning new good practices and ideas.

5.       What are your main challenges?

The most important challenge for our organisation remains the stigma disabled people and people with chronic illnesses face in their daily lives and that impedes them to equally and actively participate in the social, professional or economic spheres. Most recently, cases of frauds connected to disability benefits caught the attention of the media and the public in Greece, calling for a quick and strong reaction from our part. Fortunately, Greek citizens know to make the difference between some ill-intended persons and the work we do.