The information center for people with disabilities “Lotos” Tuzla organized a peaceful gathering due to the recent physical abuse of residents at the Institute for the Care of Mentally Disabled Children and Youth Pazarić. A public proclamation was also read at the protests, reminding that a case of abuse was recorded four years ago, but that society did not react adequately.
”The video is shocking for us parents. It is not the first time, this is repeated. Nothing is being done, and we are afraid of what will happen to our children if there is an institution in Pazarić,” says the mother of a disabled child from Gradačac, Nusreta Selimović.
People with disabilities point out that it is time to take matters into their own hands more concretely and to advocate for the social community to respect international conventions. Also, they say that there is no justification for any violence, especially violence against people with disabilities who cannot defend themselves against bullies.
“We constantly point out that international and local documents have been adopted that clearly define and regulate the field of disability in which people with disabilities have guaranteed basic human rights, but the application of conventions and documents and laws is not adequately implemented,” says Adisa Kišić from the Information Center for Persons with Disabilities with disabilities “Lotos” Tuzla.
People with disabilities expect concrete reactions in order to prevent violence against residents of any institution that cares for this population in the future, Fena news agency reports.
