Leo van Doesburg

On the 21st of March, we are celebrating the  World Down Syndrome Day . Unfortunately , the c orona virus crisis we are currently facing has left its impact on the different celebrations that were planned. Nevertheless, it remains an important cause to mark and it is good to discuss our responsibilities towards our fellow human beings with Down s yndrome and to evaluate the European policies. It is encouraging that 108 Members of the European Parliament signed a declaration that demands better rights for persons with Down s yndrome giving an important call to action.

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) has reaffirmed that Member States has an obligation to ensure non-discrimination in the workplace based on the grounds or religion or belief in an adopted resolution , based on the report    of Davo Stier (EPP/CD). PACE called on Member States to “promote a culture of tolerance and ‘living together' in a religiously pluralist society” , while ensuring that “the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion is respected”. The fact that freedom of religion and conscience on the workplace has been reaffirmed is a very positive development. This is in line with previous resolutions and international documents that are calling the Member States to promote reasonable accommodation. It is an "adjustment made in a system to accommodate or make an individual exception based on a proven need" . The United Nations use this term in the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities "   supporting the vi...