2023-06-20
| Pančevo

Debate in Pančevo: Labour Rights for Persons with Disabilities - Caught Between the Law and What Happens in Practice

Social and Economic Rights and Sustainable Development project

The following debate: Labour Rights for Persons with Disabilities - Caught Between the Law and What Happens in Practice was organised by the CDF, within the framework of the Socioeconomic Rights and Sustainable Development project.

The debate was held on 20 June 2023 in Pančevo (at Sinhro hub) in collaboration with the Half-way There Association.

Partaking in the discussion were: Filip Perić, Union of Employers of the City of Pančevo; Slađana Lević, Youth with Disabilities Forum; Margareta Greta Kecman, Creative Educational Center KEC; Marija Jovanović, lawyer and associate of the Center for Dignified Work; Danica Maksimović, member of the Half-way There Association; Milena Mićović-Trajković, Center for Democracy Foundation, Marina Kurilj, Half-way There Association, and others.

One very important issue in the field of labour and social rights is the realisation of the right to work and social integration of persons with disabilities. The right to work is one of the basic human rights guaranteed by the Constitution of the Republic of Serbia, and by ratifying the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Serbia has committed itself to provide the necessary support to persons with disabilities to exercise this right without discrimination, in the open labour market. In Serbia, the Law on Professional Rehabilitation and Employment of Persons with Disabilities is in force, but the question is how well the legal act really protects rights.

During this debate, we wanted to discuss the following vital issues: To what extent does our legal framework in this area comply with international standards? What does the real picture show about the position of people with disabilities on the labour market? How can we overcome obstacles that hinder access to the labour market and employment? Do employers comply with prescribed legal provisions in this area? What activities does the National Employment Service undertake? How do other European and regional countries approach this area in practical terms? What are the key recommendations for improving the labour rights of persons with disabilities?

In the discussion, it was pointed out that people with disabilities need a complex support system, the labour market is constantly changing, and training, internships, retraining, career counselling, and psychosocial empowerment are thus required.

The debate was organised via the Social and Economic Rights and Sustainable Development project, with the financial support of the Olof Palme International Center.