Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- On 5-6 March, a two-day training seminar on the topic: “Rights of persons with disabilities: international standards and national practice” is being held in Tashkent. 

It is organized by the National Center of the Republic of Uzbekistan for Human Rights together with the National Agency for Social Protection under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Association of Persons with Disabilities and the Society of Disabled Persons of the country with the support of the Office of Cooperation Programs of the Council of Europe within the framework of the HELP program for Central Asia “Rule of Law”.

The objectives of the training are to exchange experiences and best practices in the field of protecting and promoting the rights of persons with disabilities, as well as to study and discuss specific strategies and methodologies that can contribute to more effective implementation and implementation of the provisions of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities at the national and international levels.

The event is attended by representatives of the chambers of the Oliy Majlis, the Supreme Court, law enforcement agencies, interested ministries, national human rights institutions, the scientific community and civil society institutions.

The experts here are consultants of the Council of Europe Evgeniy Goloshchapov and Ksenia Siminchuk, and senior legal consultant of the Secretariat of the European Court of Human Rights Natalya Vorobyeva.

In his welcoming video message, the First Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Director of the National Center for Human Rights Akmal Saidov informed about the experience of Uzbekistan in implementing the provisions of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, as well as measures taken by the Government of Uzbekistan to improve the situation of persons with disabilities and build inclusive society. 

It was especially emphasized that the adoption of the new version of the Constitution, proclaiming Uzbekistan a social state, became a key point reflecting the country’s determination to ensure social protection and equality of all citizens before the law. The country is improving legislation to protect the rights and interests of persons with disabilities, and strengthening interaction with non-governmental organizations in this area.

In her welcoming speech, the Head of the European Union delegation, Ambassador Charlotte Adrian, noted the importance of cooperation in the field of improving the rights of people with disabilities in Uzbekistan and emphasized the importance of sharing experience between European experts and representatives of national departments and civil society.

The head of the Council of Europe project “HELP in Central Asia”, Kristina Khokhlova, mentioned that the protection of the rights of people with disabilities is central to the work of the Council of Europe. In particular, the thematic course of the HELP program “Rights of people with disabilities” was translated into Uzbek, adapted to national legislation and posted on the HELP Platform in free access.

The head of the department of the National Social Protection Agency under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Mirzabek Niyazov, spoke about the new system for protecting the rights of persons with disabilities. In particular, by Decree of the Head of State dated 1 June 2023, the National Social Protection Agency, its regional departments and Inson social service centers are united into a single system.

Chairman of the Association of Persons with Disabilities of Uzbekistan Oybek Isakov informed the participants about the activities of the Association and the preparation of an alternative report on the implementation of the provisions of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities by non-governmental organizations.

As noted by the chairman of the Society of Disabled Persons of Uzbekistan, Komil Abdullayev, provisions on the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities are reflected in more than 200 laws, and over 632 non-governmental organizations are working in this direction in the country. The text of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities was published in Uzbek, and a Braille edition was also released.

During the training seminar, foreign experts and national specialists shared their knowledge and experience in the field of protecting the rights of persons with disabilities. Successful practices and strategies were discussed, as well as examples of the effective implementation of norms and legislative initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life and integration of persons with disabilities into society.

As a result of the training, participants adopted recommendations on the importance of a number of activities aimed at further strengthening the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities. It is recommended, in particular, to analyze national legislation and bring it in accordance with international standards; introduction of thematic educational programs for employees of government agencies and non-governmental organizations; ensuring a barrier-free environment in public places, transport, educational institutions and workplaces; development of programs to support the employment of persons with disabilities, including incentives for employers, training and professional retraining, as well as the creation of adapted and inclusive workplaces.