Friday, July 04, 2014

“Strengthening the employment policies for people with disabilities, in line with the European standards” was the topic of the open public meeting organised at the EU Info Centre premises by the participants of the Albanian School of Political Studies programme. Representatives of associations working with people with disabilities, international organisations, civil society and policy-makers took part in the meeting, discussing the current situation, the main challenges, best practices and how to improve the employment of people with disabilities.
The meeting was attended among others by the deputy minister of Social Welfare and Youth, Mrs. Bardhylka Kospiri, the Head of the Council of Europe in Albania, Mr. Marco Leidekker, and the Anti-discrimination Commissioner Mrs. Irma Baraku, who made important points in their respective addresses, about the respect of the rights of people with disabilities, enshrined in the European Charter of Fundamental rights.
The meeting served as an open space where stakeholders could exchange ideas, experience, strategies and initiatives in order to more effectively address some of the main employment challenges facing people with disabilities.  The organizers will also draw up a summary with suggestions and recommendations which will then be sent as feedback to all stakeholders and participants.
The meeting was organised in the framework of the public initiatives undertaken by the participants of the Albanian School of Political Studies programme, in line with the EU recommendations regarding Albania’s integration process.
The meeting was broadcast by several Albanian TV broadcasters.