AKEL calls for reform of the Radiomarathon charity model

On October 29, 2026, the political party AKEL issued a statement calling for a fundamental reassessment of the Radiomarathon, a long-standing charity event focused on supporting people with disabilities. The party argues that current societal approaches to disability rights must evolve to align with modern standards of social inclusion and human rights, rather than relying on yearly charitable donations.

AKEL emphasizes that providing for the needs of people with disabilities is a primary obligation of the state and the government, which cannot be delegated to private initiatives or volunteer efforts. While acknowledging the importance of public solidarity, the party asserts that the state must ensure autonomy, equal opportunities, and decent living conditions through consistent public policy and structural funding. The party argues that society should not relegate disability issues to a single annual event.

To address these concerns, AKEL has formally called on the government to initiate a substantive and open dialogue with disability rights organizations. The goal of these proposed discussions is to reform the Radiomarathon institution, ensuring it reflects contemporary human rights principles without relying on previous biases or predetermined decisions.