Disabled rights group ends subway protests after political promises

The National Federation of Disabled Persons (Jeonjangyeon) has announced the suspension of its subway boarding protests, a campaign that has lasted for nearly five years. This significant move comes after the Democratic Party pledged to enact ordinances that would guarantee the mobility rights of disabled individuals and reinstate public jobs for them. Jeonjangyeon's decision to halt its disruptive protests signals a trust in political promises and a shift towards advocating for their rights through legislative means.

The Democratic Party, which holds a strong majority in the Seoul Metropolitan Council, has committed to revising existing ordinances. Key changes include redefining "transportation convenience improvement" to "guarantee of mobility rights," thereby solidifying its legal standing. The party also plans to increase the proportion of low-floor buses to 100% from the current 79.4% and revitalize the operation of disabled person taxis, which have faced reduced service due to insufficient personnel costs. Furthermore, a second ordinance aims to revive the "rights-centered public jobs" program, which was discontinued in 2024 after operating since 2020.

Jeonjangyeon has been persistent in its demands since World Day for Persons with Disabilities in December 2021, seeking not special privileges but basic rights such as elevator installations in all subways, universal adoption of low-floor buses, and budget allocations for employment. Despite facing what the article describes as a closed ear from the Yoon Suk-yeol administration and the Seoul Metropolitan Government, which focused on blocking protests citing public inconvenience, Jeonjangyeon continued its advocacy. The article specifically criticizes Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon for his "zero tolerance" approach, which included legal actions and damage claims, and for cutting the budget for the "rights-centered public jobs" program.

With the Democratic Party leading this agreement, the article emphasizes the need for Mayor Oh Se-hoon's cooperation. While the party could override a mayoral veto, smooth budget allocation and implementation require his support. The article concludes by calling on Mayor Oh to adopt a forward-thinking attitude, collaborate with the council, and ensure the revised ordinances are effectively implemented, mirroring Jeonjangyeon's "great concession" in suspending the protests.

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As Jeonjangyeon decided to suspend the subway boarding protests with magnanimity, we hope Mayor Oh will also take a forward-thinking attitude, work with the council, and find ways to ensure the effectiveness of the revised ordinances.