Dialogos

AKEL Condemns Government for Labeling Disability Organizations as Lobbyists

Published February 16, 2026, 12:03
AKEL Condemns Government for Labeling Disability Organizations as Lobbyists

AKEL condemns the refusal of the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare to meet with organizations representing people with disabilities and patients, unless they register in the Transparency Register (Lobbyist Register). The party believes that this approach is distorted, as these organizations advocate for human rights and not the promotion of private interests. AKEL MP Aris Damianou stated that he will submit a legislative proposal to clarify that organizations representing people with disabilities, chronic sufferers, and patients are social partners and not lobbyists. He appeals to the government to correct this unfair treatment and recognize the social role of these organizations. Mr. Damianou emphasized that these organizations contribute to the protection of the rights of vulnerable groups and that cooperation with them is essential for promoting a socially just policy. He also reminded that Cyprus is committed through international conventions to the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities.