DWARS supports manifesto Accessible Politics!

Politics is about everyone and should therefore be accessible to everyone. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. A group of politicians with disabilities have drafted a manifesto on what political parties can do to ensure that accessibility is increased for these individuals. DWARS supports this manifesto!

That as many people as possible can participate in politics is an important part of a fair democracy. The UN Convention on Human Rights also states that being able to participate in politics is part of being a citizen. But people with disabilities (physical, mental or otherwise) participate comparatively very little in political activities (as municipal councillors or aldermen, but also in positions in political parties).

The manifesto was therefore prepared to encourage political parties to involve more people with disabilities in politics. The manifesto reflects their experiences and advice. On 7 February, the manifesto was presented to Ms K. Hagen, chairman of the Lower House Standing Committee on Home Affairs. The opinions are:

• Be accessible in communication and resources
• actively approach people with disabilities
• give them the opportunity to talk to a role model
• let them participate in the party or group
• make sure there is a point where they can go with problems
• express the goal that at least 5% of the candidates in the 2026 municipal elections should be someone with a disability.

Want to read more about this manifesto? You can here!