The Albanian Association of the Blind reacts to Rama's insults: Ask for a public apology

The Albanian Association of the Blind has reacted after the insulting statements that Prime Minister Edi Rama used during the election campaign towards people with special needs.

In its response, the association refers to the statement in which Rama said: "When a person has good eyesight, he is more blind than someone who does not have eyes. He who has eyes, will not see, is absolutely blind. He who has good ears, and will hear the owl's song at night, is deafer than deaf."

The association asks Rama to publicly apologize and to respect and protect the rights of people with disabilities.

DECLARATION:

The Albanian Association of the Blind (ASHB), as the legitimate representative of over 13,500 blind and severely visually impaired citizens in the country, expresses deep regret and indignation for the use of discriminatory and humiliating language by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Albania, Mr. Edi Rama, in an electoral activity held in Lezha.

In this statement he stated as follows:

"When a person has big eyes, he is more blind than someone who does not have eyes. Whoever has eyes, will not see anymore, is absolutely blind. Whoever has big ears, and will hear the song of an owl at night, is more deaf than deaf." is not only deeply offensive to the community of blind and deaf people, but constitutes a serious violation of the standards of human respect and equality promoted by the Constitution of the Republic of Albania and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

This is not the first time that Mr. Rama has used offensive language towards sensitive groups. Just a few days ago, he unacceptably labeled people with autism spectrum disorders, thus continuing a pattern of derogatory communication that deepens social prejudices and violates the dignity of thousands of Albanian citizens.

SHVSH makes a public appeal to the Prime Minister:

To publicly apologize, without delay, to the communities it has offended.

To truly commit to respecting and protecting the rights of persons with disabilities, starting with the language used in public spaces.

To restore institutional dignity in communicating with its citizens, especially those who live every day with major health and social challenges.

We are not metaphors, we are not stylistic figures for use in political speeches. We are equal citizens of this country. And we will raise our voices against any act, word or attitude that aims to insult us, exclude us or instrumentalize us.

With respect,

ASSOCIATION OF THE BLIND OF ALBANIA