-
.
- Русский
The 3rd part of the 2023 session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) concludes today in Strasbourg. MP Kostis Efstathiou participated in a plenary debate on bridging the digital divide by promoting equal access to digital technologies.
Mr Efstathiou said that, given the important role of digital technology in improving the quality of life of citizens, equal access to new digital technologies regardless of age, gender or social background is of utmost importance. Bridging the digital divide, the Cypriot MEP noted, is a major challenge for Member States and requires cooperation and coordination and the adoption of common policies at national and multilateral level.
Efstathiou pointed out that children with disabilities face additional difficulties in accessing and using digital technology. For this reason, the Cypriot MEP stressed that specific guidelines and holistic action plans should be put in place to support children with disabilities and their companions, so that they do not run the risk of social isolation and disconnection from the wider school environment, especially in times of crisis.
Vulnerable groups of the population in general, Mr Efstathiou said, need targeted support and should not be exposed to further inequalities, which may exacerbate existing prejudices and discrimination. He stressed that, like all other forms of exclusion, digital exclusion must be eliminated and the basic human right of every citizen to participate in the full range of social and public life must be fully protected. Efstathiou concerning the obligation of competent national authorities to provide additional support measures for children with disabilities, in particular in digital education.
(Text as sent by the House of Representatives)
Contents of this article including associated images are owned by PIO
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
Source
