New legislative proposals and reforms undertaken by Kyrgyzstan demonstrate a desire to significantly improve the lives of people with disabilities. UN expert: Kyrgyzstan should not miss an opportunity to ensure respect for the rights of people with disabilities Human Rights
The UN expert said that new legislative proposals and reforms in the field of law and policy, carried out by Kyrgyzstan after ratifying the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, demonstrate the desire to significantly improve the lives of this category of the population.
“Constructive Steps”
Heba Hagrass, the Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities, made the following statement following an official visit to Kyrgyzstan. “Constructive steps have been taken in terms of legislative and policy reform, with initial efforts to improve accessibility for persons with disabilities and introduce the concept of inclusive education,” she said. “At present, reforms remain piecemeal, but proposals for new legislation on the rights of persons with disabilities provide an excellent opportunity to develop a comprehensive plan of action in line with the provisions of the Convention.”
Participation of persons with disabilities
Hagrass stressed the importance of involving persons with disabilities and their representative organizations in this process, as well as in the development, implementation and monitoring of laws and policies in general. According to her, full participation is one of the requirements of the Convention, and she expressed concern about the shrinking civic space for human rights activities, especially after the adoption of the Law on Foreign Representatives in early 2024.
Increasing disability benefits
The Special Rapporteur stressed that increasing disability benefits and the payment of personal assistants are important measures to ensure an adequate standard of living for persons with disabilities.
“I urge the Government to use the current economic growth to develop and implement inclusive, accessible, quality public services for persons with disabilities that will enable them to live independently,” Hagrass said. A comprehensive strategy, including effective monitoring and coordination mechanisms, adequately resourced and resourced, is needed to realize all the rights of persons with disabilities, she added.
Rethinking disability
The Special Rapporteur said she was concerned about the lack of clarity surrounding plans to redefine disability as a medical issue, particularly with regard to how disability assessments are conducted. “Kyrgyzstan urgently needs to undertake deinstitutionalization reform and review its legislation and practices on legal capacity in line with international human rights standards,” she said.
The situation of women with disabilities
According to Hagrass, the best way to combat the widespread stigma surrounding people with disabilities is through their inclusion in society, rather than their isolation in institutions or at home. “I received information about the particularly vulnerable situation of women and girls, people in remote and rural areas, and persons with intellectual and psychosocial disabilities, including in terms of violence, abuse and neglect,” she said. – Particular attention must be paid to the protection of their rights.”
UN Special Rapporteur
The Special Rapporteur will present a detailed report on his findings and recommendations to the 58th session of the Human Rights Council in March 2025.
Special Rapporteurs are part of the so-called special procedures of the Human Rights Council. They are independent from any government or organization and serve in their individual capacity.