Studying Kazakhstan’s Experience to Promote the Rights and Freedoms of Persons with Disabilities in Tajikistan
The project “Studying Kazakhstan’s Experience to Promote the Rights and Freedoms of Persons with Disabilities in Tajikistan”, implemented by the National Association of Persons with Disabilities of Tajikistan with financial support from the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation in Central Asia, has been successfully completed. The project ran from June 1 to October 31, 2023, and included several significant activities and achievements.
Analysis of the Current Situation
The Republic of Tajikistan signed the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2018. To ratify the Convention, the Government adopted Resolution No. 116 on February 20, 2020, approving the National Action Program for the Ratification of the Convention for 2020-2024. An important point of this program is the establishment of the position of disability advisors within local governments. However, progress on this issue has been slow.
Project Goal
The main goal of the project was to study Kazakhstan’s experience in establishing the position of disability advisors to improve the quality of life for persons with disabilities. The knowledge gained from the project will be used by the state working group to further institutionalize the advisor position in Tajikistan.
Key Activities and Achievements
- Three-Day Seminar in Dushanbe: In July 2023, a three-day seminar was held where the draft regulation on the disability advisor position was presented and discussed.
- Delegation Visit to Almaty: In September 2023, a delegation from Tajikistan visited Almaty to study Kazakhstan’s experience. The visit included 13 representatives from government bodies and NGOs.
- Roundtable in Dushanbe: On October 4, 2023, a roundtable was held where the final draft of the disability advisor regulation was presented, along with discussions on the new draft law “On the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Their Social Integration.”
Project Outcomes
— Approval of the Advisor Regulation: On October 10, 2023, the final draft of the regulation was agreed upon with the Ministry of Health and the Committee for Local Development. Once signed by the minister, the regulation will be registered with the Ministry of Justice.
— Raising Awareness: 35 participants from key government ministries and NGOs became familiar with the advisor institution and received recommendations on its implementation.
— Strengthening Cooperation: The project facilitated connections between civil society organizations and government agencies in Tajikistan and Kazakhstan.
Media Coverage
The project received wide media coverage, including Facebook publications and reports on state television.
Conclusion
The project achieved its goals and laid the foundation for the introduction of the disability advisor institution in Tajikistan. In the near future, training seminars for advisors and key local government staff are planned.