Blog post by Farbod Khansari, General Delegate of “Conseil Français des personnes Handicapées pour les affaires Européennes et internationales”
On February 10, 2025, at Place de la République in Paris, even the rain didn’t get the better of the over 3000 activists, associations, families and committed citizens who gathered to demand a fairer society. The rally marked the twentieth anniversary of French law of 11 February 2005 which promised “equal rights and opportunities, participation and citizenship for people with disabilities”. Above all, it marked our anger at being denied the most fundamental rights.
Organised by the Collectif Handicaps (of which the CFHE is a member), in close collaboration with APF France handicap and Comme les Autres, we were able to count on the speeches of many public figures and representatives of associations, all of whom came to express their indignation at the discrimination suffered daily by persons with disabilities.
Through poignant speeches and testimonials, the evening highlighted the many forms of discrimination still experienced by people with disabilities. This mobilisation enabled us to collectively affirm our vision of a more inclusive society and the urgent measures that need to be taken to guarantee respect for fundamental rights. The State must assume its responsibilities, and each individual must do his or her part. It’s time to change things!
We also published an open letter signed by 135 people (“tribune”) in the magazine “Nouvel Obs”, to claim the realisation of the rights of persons with disabilities. The letter was signed by artists, athletes, associative leaders, together for a fairer and more united society.
Watch a recording of the rally.
Featured Photo Credit: Erwann Le Gars