Greek MP Advocates for Disability Rights at Istanbul IPU Assembly, Meets Patriarch Bartholomew

Athanasios Papathanasis, a Member of Parliament for Aetolia-Acarnania representing New Democracy, recently participated in the 152nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) held in Istanbul. As reported by Ta Nea, Papathanasis actively engaged in the proceedings, with a particular focus on issues of social cohesion and democratic accountability. During his intervention at the Committee on Democracy and Human Rights, he articulated Greece's position on ensuring equal access and empowering individuals with disabilities, stressing the critical need for their meaningful participation in decision-making processes.

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My participation in the 152nd IPU Assembly in Istanbul was an important opportunity to highlight, as the Hellenic Parliament, issues concerning people, social cohesion, and the quality of our democracy.

The Greek delegation's visit extended beyond the IPU sessions, including a significant meeting with His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew at the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Istanbul. This encounter was noted for its high symbolic value, underscoring the deep respect for the spiritual and ecumenical role of the Patriarchate. Papathanasis remarked on the importance of the assembly, stating, “My participation in the 152nd IPU Assembly in Istanbul was an important opportunity to highlight, as the Hellenic Parliament, issues concerning people, social cohesion, and the quality of our democracy.”

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Health, the protection of our vulnerable fellow citizens, and the substantive inclusion of people with disabilities are indicators of culture, democracy, and institutional maturity.

Papathanasis specifically highlighted the progress made regarding the empowerment of persons with disabilities, noting that this topic, which he championed, will be addressed by a special committee at the IPU's next session. He emphasized that this development signifies the importance of the initiative and Greece's contribution to the ongoing dialogue. The inclusion of disability rights on the IPU agenda reflects a broader commitment to human rights and inclusive governance, areas where Greece seeks to play a constructive role on the international stage. This engagement in Istanbul demonstrates Greece's dedication to multilateralism and its proactive stance on advocating for vulnerable populations within global forums.

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The fact that the issue of empowering people with disabilities, which I raised in my intervention, will be addressed by a special committee at the next IPU session is of particular importance.