Equality in focus: Protest day for people with disabilities in Höxter!

Equality in focus: Protest day for people with disabilities in Höxter!

On Monday, May 5, 2025, the European Protest Day will be committed to equality for people with disabilities. In numerous cities in Germany, actions are planned to draw attention to the challenges and the need for inclusion. However, the Pro barrier -free initiative in the Höxter district expresses critical votes on this protest day. This group perceives the day as "full of appeals, events and political lip service" and criticizes that after the actions there are often no serious changes.

They remind that events, such as those in Brakel, were mostly visited by people with disabilities themselves, which fizzled out. "Our protest takes place 364 days a year, we take a break on May 5," said the initiative. In Paderborn, a protest march is planned under the motto "Restart Inclusion" for May 10th, organized by the Aktion Mensch. The meeting point is at 10:45 a.m. at the Herz-Jesu Church.

criticism and reflection

Auxiliary Bishop Dr. Reinhard Hauke, representative of the German Bishops' Conference for including pastoral, sees the protest day as an important reason for reflection on inclusion and exclusion in society. He emphasizes that the creation of a fair and inclusive society is a human right, no privilege. The Catholic Church in Germany is committed to the goal of inclusion and supports various actions to advance the reduction of barriers.

Hauke ​​calls to work together on an inclusive church and society. He points out that the protection of human dignity and basic human rights should be the focus of efforts. This year the protest day is also regarded as a day of hope that an inclusive society and church is required.

challenges of inclusion

The protest day has existed for over 30 years and this year is under the motto "We are 10 million - human rights are not negotiable!". The German Institute for Human Rights has called on the federal government, the states and municipalities of promoting people with disabilities more active. Britta Schlegel, head of the monitoring office UN Convention on the Rights of Disabilities, emphasizes that inclusion is a state mandate based on the disadvantage ban of the Basic Law and the UN Convention on the Rights of Disabilities.

People with disabilities in Germany are often faced with various barriers, be it in the labor market, in the education system, health care or access to barrier -free living space. There are also difficulties in the judicial system for people with disabilities who want to defend themselves against discrimination. A need for significant progress in inclusion is therefore particularly emphasized.

The European Protest Day to equality for people with disabilities offers a platform to discuss these important topics and point out the social grievances. Actions and protests are intended to provide a strong impulse for the future, so that the goal of an inclusive society can finally become a reality.