CHEONGJU, Jun. 20 (Korea Bizwire) – Following the tragic discovery of three members of a family with intellectual disabilities found dead in Cheongju last month, the Chungcheongbuk-do Parents’ Coalition for the Disabled staged a peaceful protest on June 19, calling for an improved institutional support system for families with members who have developmental disabilities.
Braving an extreme heat wave advisory, the protesters gathered in front of the Chungcheongbuk-do Provincial Government building in Cheongju. After a head-shaving ceremony, around 50 of the 200 participants engaged in a 1.4-kilometer protest march, lying down on the ground for an hour and a half starting at 11 a.m.
Prior to the march, the coalition held a rally, stating, “The successive deaths of family members with developmental disabilities are not mere individual tragedies but a social disaster.” They urged the government to establish a 24-hour protection system for families with members who have developmental disabilities.
The protesters further emphasized, “Families with multiple disabled children, impoverished families, and families with ill parents are much more frequently pushed into crisis situations.” They demanded that local governments conduct a comprehensive survey of families with members who have developmental disabilities and promptly establish a support system, implementing intensive case management.
The coalition vowed to continue their protest march, lying down on the ground, across the nation until the 49th day of mourning for the deceased family. They also threatened to launch an indefinite struggle in front of the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the National Assembly until their policy demands are implemented.
Image credit: Yonhap / photonews@koreabizwire.com
