On
July 17 the Greek Ombudsman for the rights of children visited KEPEP.
He shares his impressions in this facebook post:
“In
moments when this country is "burning", I visited with my
colleagues yesterday the (former) KEPEP Lehena to follow the
evolution of the situation in a care center for children with
disabilities / chronic diseases, who remain there for their lifetime.
The center became internationally known after the Ombudsman's report
in 2011, international organizations contributions to human rights
and reports of the BBC, because of the unacceptable living and care
conditions of the "children" (wooden cages, fixation
straps, minimum nursing and therapeutic personnel, etc.).
I will not say much here, also will I prepare a new report on the occasion of our visit. I just want to share a few things with you:
- My sadness because the situation at the institutions staffing levels has worsened instead of improved since our first visit in 2009, and now even more serious problems have been added to cover daily necessities. Fortunately however, there are no new entries and there are only five minor children (between hosted 58 people) in the institution.
- My bitterness when I saw the despair once again the faces of the nurses and staff. Because they feel that the "state" has forgotten their needs and the needs of those, who they take care of. And still they keep fighting every day.
- My pleasure and joy when I saw one of the girls we had first met in a "wooden cage" Ellie, who can walk more freely and move almost functional, thanks to her participation in the special school where she made great efforts.
I believe that those who deal with the rights of persons with disabilities and chronic diseases in this country, should join forces to close permanently such institutions.
Establish small care facilities for persons with disabilities/chronic diseases or similar needs in the cities, which resemble families and are embraced by local communities and its citizens who can offer time and relationship to break social their exclusion.
Some will say: Such words in these times?
Indeed! At such times first should we care for those of our fellow citizens who are unable to claim for themselves the protection from Kaidas (note: the canyon where the ancient Spartanians threw their children with disabilities) and absolute abandonment.”
I will not say much here, also will I prepare a new report on the occasion of our visit. I just want to share a few things with you:
- My sadness because the situation at the institutions staffing levels has worsened instead of improved since our first visit in 2009, and now even more serious problems have been added to cover daily necessities. Fortunately however, there are no new entries and there are only five minor children (between hosted 58 people) in the institution.
- My bitterness when I saw the despair once again the faces of the nurses and staff. Because they feel that the "state" has forgotten their needs and the needs of those, who they take care of. And still they keep fighting every day.
- My pleasure and joy when I saw one of the girls we had first met in a "wooden cage" Ellie, who can walk more freely and move almost functional, thanks to her participation in the special school where she made great efforts.
I believe that those who deal with the rights of persons with disabilities and chronic diseases in this country, should join forces to close permanently such institutions.
Establish small care facilities for persons with disabilities/chronic diseases or similar needs in the cities, which resemble families and are embraced by local communities and its citizens who can offer time and relationship to break social their exclusion.
Some will say: Such words in these times?
Indeed! At such times first should we care for those of our fellow citizens who are unable to claim for themselves the protection from Kaidas (note: the canyon where the ancient Spartanians threw their children with disabilities) and absolute abandonment.”
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