On International Day of Persons with Disability OSCE promotes equal rights to education

BISHKEK, 3 December 2014 – The Minister of Social Protection and Development, the Ombudsman and representatives from parliament joined the OSCE Centre in Bishkek in supporting a charity event on Equal Rights to Education, which was held to mark the International Day of Persons with Disability.

According to official government figures people with disabilities make up to 2.6 per cent of Kyrgyzstan’s population. As an active supporter of the rights of people with disabilities, the OSCE Centre supported the Special Boarding School for Blind and Visually Impaired Children in Bishkek over the course of this year, with classroom equipment, beds and bedclothes, various furniture, special glasses and perforated paper for writing.

“People with disabilities face physical, social and economic barriers that exclude them from participating fully and effectively as equal members of society,” said Fabio Piana, Acting deputy head of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek. “We are strong in our efforts to work with the Kyrgyz Government to pay due attention to the needs of people with disabilities.”

Dastan Bekeshev, a member of the Kyrgyz Parliament and a former pupil of the Special Boarding School for Blind and Visually Impaired Children, addressed children at the opening of the event. He spoke about how he overcame his disabilities to pursue a successful career and live in society as a full-fledged citizen.  

This activity was supported through the proceeds of the annual OSCE Charity Ball.