On Thursday, 18 April, the first court date will take place in the case in which The Foundation For The Defense Of Citizens Against State Abuses (FACIAS) has sued the Romanian Government, demanding the urgent implementation of key legislative changes for the rights of people with disabilities. The Government has refused for more than a year to draft the rules provided for in Law 96/2023, thereby ignoring the needs of these people. Moreover, the government is attempting to impede the activities of FACIAS.
The 2023 Law No. 96 introduces new provisions to facilitate access for people with disabilities to buildings where educational institutions operate. The Government was required to issue implementing rules for the law as early as May 2023. The government's inaction has led to numerous complaints from people with disabilities, who accuse it of mocking them. FACIAS is now engaged in litigation to vindicate the rights of these people.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THE LAW IGNORED BY THE GOVERNMENT?
- Ramps and/or, where appropriate, electronic or automated access systems, lifts or elevators;
- Acoustic guidance systems and tactile maps;
- Visual warning systems and electronic sound amplifiers for hearing aids;
- Sign language guidance systems;
- Provision by educational establishments and institutions of at least one accessible toilet for people with disabilities.
- Ensuring access to educational establishments and institutions.
The government opposes
Rather than accelerating the introduction of necessary changes, the government is opposing the FACIAS action through a range of tactics designed to prevent legal action. The government has requested the revocation of the lawsuit due to the absence of a stamp duty payment, despite the tax already having been paid. Additionally, the government has asserted that FACIAS lacks interest in pursuing the lawsuit. In a statement released by the Romanian government, the government has asserted that it is not the foundation's concern whether or not the state implements these legislative changes. In concrete terms, the state's position is that the primary concern is not the expeditious implementation of the law, but rather the formalities of a request.
The fundamental objective of FACIAS is to monitor the activities of public authorities, thereby guaranteeing the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms. Additionally, it seeks to prevent, detect, and punish violations of existing legislation through legal means.