Bishkek, 24 November 2023 - In Kyrgyzstan, organizations of people with disabilities and civil society activists are advocating for the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) in the Kyrgyz Republic. Round tables are organized in all regions of the country with the participation of relevant government bodies and organizations of people with disabilities, where resolutions on ratification of the Optional Protocol to the CRPD have been adopted. 

This civil society initiative is supported by the UN Development Program in Kyrgyzstan and the Regional Office of the UN Human Rights Office for Central Asia.

The Optional Protocol is an additional agreement to the CRPD that establishes a mechanism to address individual complaints of violations of the rights established by the provisions of the Convention. Ratification of the Optional Protocol gives citizens the right to file a complaint with the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities about violations of their rights under the Convention. Ratification of the Optional Protocol will strengthen human rights protection mechanisms in Kyrgyzstan, ensure effective implementation of the provisions of the Convention and prevent discrimination against people with disabilities. 

Today at the round table in Bishkek, Tolkunbek Isakov, Deputy Chairman of the Council for Persons with Disabilities under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, President of the PF "Providing Legal Assistance to Persons with Disabilities" reported that currently, despite the ratification of the Convention, the necessary conditions for the full implementation of the norms and provisions of the Convention are not created in the country.

"Legal practice is gradually collecting a large number of court cases that have exhausted domestic mechanisms to protect the rights and freedoms of persons with disabilities. In order to appeal to the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, it is necessary to ratify the Optional Protocol. Thus, for the full and effective protection of the rights and freedoms of persons with disabilities in the country, the situation is ripe for ratification of the Optional Protocol," he emphasized.

"The Optional Protocol to the UNCRPD serves as an important tool to increase Kyrgyzstan's effectiveness and accountability to the Convention. It empowers individuals and groups to seek justice and redress when their rights are violated. Ratification of this protocol will enable citizens to access the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, further strengthening accountability mechanisms and ensuring that their voices are heard on an international platform. This is a step towards creating an inclusive and accessible society in Kyrgyzstan," said Monica Rijal, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative.

As a result of the ratification of the Optional Protocol:

- Kyrgyz citizens will be able to formally submit their complaints to the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities;

- Based on complaints and appeals, the Committee can investigate serious and systematic violations of the rights of persons with disabilities by the State party to the Convention;

- The process of creating an inclusive society and accessible environment in the country will be accelerated;

- The prestige of the Kyrgyz Republic as a State governed by the rule of law at the international level will be enhanced. 

Ratification of the Optional Protocol confirms the determination of States to ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all rights and freedoms by persons with disabilities and to take effective measures to prevent their violation.

To learn more about the Optional Protocol, please click here (ru) or here (kg).

Link the photos: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjB4qj2 

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Media contacts: Nurzhan Alymkanova, UNDP Communications Specialist, nurzhan.alymkanova@undp.org