ILO Addressees International Web Forum to Mark Ratification by Uzbekistan of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

Olga Koulaeva, Director of the ILO Office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, addressed an International Web Forum (in hybrid format) coinciding with the ratification by Uzbekistan of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, World Children’s Day and UNICEF’s 75th anniversary. The forum was organized by “Zamin” International Public Foundation in cooperation with the Government of Uzbekistan.

News | 19 November 2021
The Forum discussed issues of improving the living conditions of children with disabilities and creating an inclusive environment for them, enhancing the work of national institutions as well as promoting international cooperation in this area.

The event was attended by the representatives of international organizations, various government agencies, parliament, the diplomatic corps, NGOs, academia and civil society.

Opening the Forum,  Ziroatkhon Mirziyoyeva, Chair of the Board of Trustees of Zamin International Public Foundation, noted that “the rights and freedoms of all children must be guaranteed equally. Their interests must be given a priority. Every child in the world deserves it”. “Children with disabilities are full members of our society. There is no doubt, it is very important to provide them with the necessary conditions for an active and full-fledged life", – said H.E. Ziroatkhon Mirziyoyeva.

“Our main goal is to jointly create all the necessary conditions for our children with disabilities, so that they have access to quality healthcare, education, and the opportunity to realize their talents and abilities. Having received the necessary knowledge and skills, in the future they should actively participate in all spheres of life in our society”, - said Tanzila Narbaeva, Chairperson of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Olga Koulaeva, Director of the ILO Office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, particularly noted that “the ILC 2021 Resolution on a “Global Call to Action for a Human-Centred Recovery” explicitly calls for a recovery that is comprehensive and inclusive of people with disabilities”.

“The ILO stands ready to provide support to the constituents in the inclusion of people with disabilities into Uzbekistan labour market”, - said Olga Koulaeva.

The Forum participants emphasized that work to protect the rights and interests of children with disabilities should be carried out in a holistic manner and at the state level. At the same time, it is important to provide assistance to non-governmental organizations that introduce new approaches to the upbringing and education of children.

The Forum participants agreed to work on further strengthening the legal framework to ensure the interests of children with disabilities, to implement specific measures to create the necessary conditions for children.