Political participation of persons with disabilities the focus of OSCE/ODIHR events in Dushanbe

Experts from ten countries across the OSCE region joined representatives of disabled people’s organizations (DPOs) at two events in Dushanbe on 26 and 27 June 2018 to exchange information and opinions on recent developments in the field of disability rights and share experiences on the inclusion of persons with disabilities in political and public life.

The events – an expert meeting and a meeting with local DPOs – were organized by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) in co-operation with the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe.

Some 50 experts and politicians with disabilities, representatives of DPOs, international organizations, embassies, civil society and the media contributed to the discussions.

“Close consultations with persons with disabilities and their involvement in the development of legislation and policy is an underlining principle of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities,” said Anete Erdmane, Associate Democratic Governance Officer at ODIHR. “It is a great opportunity to discuss these questions in Tajikistan, which has recently signed the Convention.”

During the expert meeting, participants discussed the ODIHR Guidelines on Political Participation of Persons with Disabilities, which will be published in early 2019. The Guidelines are intended for parliaments, political parties, civil society organizations and other stakeholders.  

“This meeting of international experts with disabilities in Dushanbe is a great motivational platform for activists of the disabled people’s movement in Tajikistan,” said Asadullo Zikrikhudoev, the Chairperson of the National Union of People with Disabilities of Tajikistan.

Ambassador Tuula Yrjölä, the Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe, said: “The OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe is privileged to host this distinguished group of experts as part of our work on advancing the rights of persons with disabilities. We appreciate the contribution of experts to the discussions that we have with local disability rights organizations in Tajikistan. The input of the experts helps us improve our assistance in this area, with the ultimate goal of contributing to a more secure, stable and equal society.”

The events were part of the ODIHR project “Our right to participate – Promoting the participation of persons with disabilities in political and public life.”