TO BE ALGERIAN AND IN A WHEELCHAIR

C O N F I D E N T I A L ALGIERS 001078

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/25/2017
TAGS: PHUM SOCI AG
SUBJECT: TO BE ALGERIAN AND IN A WHEELCHAIR


Classified By: Deputy Chief of Mission Thomas F. Daughton;
reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)


1. (U) SUMMARY: The Algerian government does not adequately
respond to the needs of the country's 3 million handicapped
people, according to the officially recognized Algerian
Federation of Wheelchair Associations. The group's president
describes Algeria's handicapped as "living in isolation" at
home because of an absence of infrastructure and services.
END SUMMARY.

THE VIEW FROM THE WHEELCHAIR
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2. (U) Atika Mammeri, president of the Algerian Federation of
Wheelchair Associations (AFWA),told poloff in a July 24
meeting that Algiera's handicapped population numbered 3
million, most of whom were victims of traffic accidents,
work-related accidents and the terrorist violence of the
1990s. She estimated that at least 80 percent of Algeria's
handicapped are illiterate and unemployed. Mammeri furnished
a written summary of Algerian laws that provide support for
the handicapped, laws she said lacked application. For
example, she pointed out that even the social services office
within the National Solidarity ministry, itself charged with
the affairs of the handicapped, was not handicap accessible.
Using herself as a reference point, she commented on her
daily dependence on neighbors to carry her to and from her
apartment to the street in order to go to work. She also
provided photos showing the overall inaccessibility of
Algiers, a city of hills and winding streets full of
sidewalks and buildings that lack ramps. She added that
public buses were not handicap accessible.


3. (U) Mammeri said the government provides a monthly stipend
of 3000 dinar (approx USD 45) to individuals designated as
100-percent handicapped and who have no other source of
income. But, she added, the money is only disbursed once
every six months in a lump sum of 18,000 dinars. In
addition, handicapped individuals found to receive other
income have their government stipends reduced. Because of
the small amount of money allotted by the government,
relatives are compelled to supplement the income of the
handicapped, Mammeri said. She acknowledged that the
government provides support to AFWA, but said the annual
contribution of roughly USD 7000 is insufficient, in that it
covers only three months of the organization's expenses.

THE VIEW FROM THE GOVERNMENT
--------------


4. (U) The Ministry of National Solidarity's Khedidja Ladjel
Aloui told poloff July 24 that the number of handicapped in
Algeria totals 1.5 million. Aloui referenced Algeria's laws
that provide protection for the handicapped, but acknowledged
that not all government buildings and schools are handicap
accessible. Commenting on the monthly 3000-dinar government
stipend available to individuals designated as 100-percent
handicapped, Aloui said the small amount reflected budgetary
constraints.


5. (C) COMMENT: Algeria is difficult for the handicapped,
and they are rarely seen in public. Mammeri's comments and
those of other handicapped individuals also echo a familiar
refrain within civil society here: the Algerian government
does little to engage its citizens.
FORD