Ahead of the general and local elections, the Cyprus Turkish Chamber of Architects and the Cyprus Turkish Orthopaedic Disabled Association have jointly called on all candidates to prioritize accessibility and ensure compliance with accessibility standards for persons with disabilities. The two organizations also submitted a formal letter outlining their recommendations.

In a joint written statement issued by Onur Olguner, President of the Cyprus Turkish Chamber of Architects, and Günay Kibrit, President of the Cyprus Turkish Orthopaedic Disabled Association, the organizations emphasized their intention to bring accessibility to the attention of all candidates and relevant institutions ahead of the elections scheduled for December 6.

The statement highlighted the importance of ensuring compliance with accessibility standards throughout planning and building permit procedures, the design and arrangement of public spaces, business licensing and change-of-use processes, as well as inspection and enforcement procedures.

Drawing on field observations and feedback, the organizations noted that the accessibility standards established under the relevant regulations are not always adequately considered during certain permitting, implementation, and inspection processes. They further emphasized that accessible cities and buildings form the foundation of equal participation in society and the provision of quality public services.

The statement also confirmed that a formal letter outlining these concerns and recommendations had been submitted to the relevant authorities. To ensure equal and independent access to public spaces for persons with disabilities, the organizations called on central and local authorities to enforce the provisions of the relevant accessibility regulations as mandatory criteria throughout all applicable procedures.

Furthermore, all election candidates were urged to make clear, concrete commitments to improving accessibility and ensuring the effective implementation of these standards.

News Source: Yenidüzen – Erişilebilirlik Tüm Adayların Gündeminde Olmalı