Kazakhstan’s Report on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Presented in Geneva
During the 30th session of the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the delegation of the Republic of Kazakhstan, headed by Nazgul Sagindykova, Vice Minister of Labour and Social Protection of the Population, presented its initial report on measures to fulfill the obligations enshrined in the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, El.kz cites MFA.
While presenting the report, the head of the Kazakh delegation informed the Committee members about concrete steps taken by the Kazakhstan Government to achieve the goals of the UN Strategy for the Integration of Persons with Disabilities, fulfill obligations under the Convention and its Optional Protocol, as well as the strategy and policies based on three principles: “fair state – fair economy – fair society”. Nazgul Sagindykova emphasized that President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has set the task of creating an inclusive society. In this context, inclusion of strategic tasks for achieving sustainability and inclusivity in the basis of Kazakhstan's national development plan and Plan for ensuring the rights and improving the quality of life of persons with disabilities until 2025 was noted.
During the dialogue with the Committee members, such issues as unhindered access of persons with disabilities to information, education, medical services, housing, state services, and financial institutions, as well as ensuring the rights to health, especially of women and girls with disabilities, access to justice, participation in peaceful assemblies, and others were raised. There was also significant interest in discussing Kazakhstan's legislation and plans to strengthen it to achieve a comprehensive system for protecting the rights of persons with disabilities.
The delegation of the Republic of Kazakhstan, composed of senior officials of relevant state bodies (Ministries of Healthcare, Labour and Social Protection of the Population, Education, Science, Culture and Information, Internal Affairs, General Prosecutor's Office, Foreign Affairs, as well as the Supreme Court) provided detailed information on the Committee’s questions. The comprehensive responses included practices to ensure the principles of equality and non-discrimination of persons with disabilities, access to education at all levels, medical services, and others. The interaction of various state bodies and civil society for the purpose of monitoring the conscientious implementation of the UN Convention was emphasized.
The role of Lyazzat Kaltaeva, member of the Senate and Tansaule Serikov, member of Majilis of the Parliament, became especially important in informing about the country's legislative initiatives for further strengthening and filling gaps in legislation concerning the rights of persons with disabilities, ensuring their equal, full, and meaningful participation in society.
In conclusion of the dialogue with the state, Committee members highly appreciated the preparation of the Kazakh delegation for the consideration of the report and thanked them for their constructive approach during the interactive dialogue.
International experts noted the measures taken for the systemic modernization of Kazakhstan's policies and legislation to ensure the rights of persons with disabilities. Activity of the civil sector, whose representatives hold high positions in the state system of Kazakhstan was also highly praised. Committee members expressed hope that the Government will continue to support civil society for the comprehensive implementation of the UN Convention.
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