Disability organisations at the table
The lower house of parliament, the United Nations in Tajikistan and the National Union of Persons with Disabilities of Tajikistan organised the discussion together. Deputy parliamentary chair Mavsuma Muini highlighted the contribution of the partners involved. Participants considered changes to laws, policy and institutions, alongside closer cooperation between government and civil society.
Approval and entry into force are separate steps
The International Disability Alliance welcomed the parliamentary decision on 13 October and credited sustained campaigning by Tajikistan’s disability movement. Its statement said the ratification instrument still had to be deposited with the UN Secretary-General; the convention would enter into force for Tajikistan 30 days after that step. The country signed it on 22 March 2018.
From a commitment to practical access
The alliance called for accessible education, employment, health services, transport and information, together with support for making decisions and living independently. It urged an implementation process with defined responsibilities, resources and measurable goals, in which organisations of persons with disabilities participate in both delivery and monitoring. [2]