Tajikistan Working Group Studies Georgia’s Experience in Ratifying the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Tbilisi, Georgia — May 26, 2024
A working group from Tajikistan focused on promoting the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities visited Tbilisi with the primary goal of studying Georgia’s experience in ratifying the Convention. The visit, which took place from May 26 to 29, 2024, included meetings with Georgian counterparts and assessments of the accessibility of urban infrastructure and public buildings for persons with disabilities.
Day One: Assessment of Urban Infrastructure
On May 26, the working group conducted an inspection of central streets in Tbilisi, government institutions, and public facilities. During the monitoring, issues related to the accessibility of pedestrian crossings, sidewalks, and public transport were identified. Deficiencies in ramps and other mobility supports for wheelchair users were observed. Despite some positive examples, many public institutions and cultural buildings were found to be inadequately adapted for persons with disabilities.
Day Two: Studying the Social Protection System
The next day, the working group visited the Ministry of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labour, Health and Social Affairs of Georgia. The ministry’s leadership presented Georgia’s social protection system for persons with disabilities, including support programs, rehabilitation services, financial assistance, and social benefits. A meeting was also held with the Coalition for Independent Living, which unites around 36 organizations of persons with disabilities. Key topics of discussion included the coalition’s activities, promotion of the Convention, and Georgia’s Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Day Three: Sports Achievements and Support
The third day began with a visit to the Georgian Paralympic Committee Stadium, where athletes with disabilities train in 16 sports in preparation for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Later, the group met with the Disability Issues Council Coordinator to discuss support measures and integration strategies for persons with disabilities. The day concluded with a visit to a residential center for people with mental health conditions.
Conclusions and Recommendations
The Tajikistani working group recognized the significant value of Georgia’s experience in ratifying the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Key recommendations included improving urban accessibility, installing additional ramps and elevators, and increasing public awareness about the rights of persons with disabilities.
The visit helped identify critical issues and outline ways to improve living conditions for persons with disabilities. The knowledge and experience gained will contribute to the development of the social protection system and the integration of persons with disabilities in Tajikistan.
