About the International Union of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities

Who We Are

The International Union of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (IUDPO) is a regional association that unites national disability organizations from Central Asia, the Caucasus, and Eastern Europe. Our network includes leading human rights organizations dedicated to protecting the rights, promoting integration, and improving the quality of life of persons with disabilities in these regions.

Member Organizations

The IUOPD comprises major national disability organizations:

• Armenia – Public Organization of Persons with Disabilities “Unison”
• Azerbaijan – Union of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities of Azerbaijan
• Belarus – Public Association “Belarusian Society of Persons with Disabilities”
• Georgia – “Coalition for Independent Living”
• Kazakhstan – Union of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities of Kazakhstan
• Kyrgyzstan – Kyrgyz Republican Society of Persons with Disabilities
• Moldova – Public Association “Union of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities of the Republic of Moldova”
• Moldova – Association for the Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities of the Republic of Moldova
• Tajikistan – National Union of Persons with Disabilities of Tajikistan
• Turkmenistan – Society of Persons with Disabilities of Turkmenistan
• Ukraine – All-Ukrainian Organization of Persons with Disabilities “Union of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities of Ukraine”
• Uzbekistan – Society of Persons with Disabilities of Uzbekistan

Our Mission and Goals

The IUDPO aims to foster international cooperation, experience exchange, and advocacy to enhance the quality of life of persons with disabilities. Our key areas of focus include:

• Developing collaboration between disability organizations at national and international levels;
• Promoting full integration of persons with disabilities into society;
• Strengthening engagement with government institutions, local authorities, and international organizations;
• Supporting the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) in the region;
• Enhancing international dialogue on disability rights and social inclusion.

Our History

The IUDPO was officially established on September 18, 2009, in Odesa, Ukraine. Following the founding conference, the organization was registered by the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine under Order No. 2255/5 dated 23.11.2009(Certificate of State Registration No. 3236). Our legal address is 04071, Kyiv, Nizhniy Val St. 23D.

Since its foundation, the IUDPO has played a key role in advancing the rights of persons with disabilities in Central Asia, the Caucasus, and Eastern Europe, uniting organizations that actively advocate for social change, accessibility, and equal opportunities.

What We Do

As part of its activities, the IUDPO:

• Organizes annual conferences to discuss current disability rights issues and strategic development;
• Facilitates international cooperation between organizations through bilateral and multilateral initiatives;
• Actively participates in international forums, conferences, and exhibitions;
• Engages with international organizations to strengthen advocacy efforts;
• Holds a General Assembly every four years to review and update leadership and strategy.

Commitment to Disability Rights and Inclusion

The IUDPO works to protect the rights of persons with disabilities, supports civil society initiatives, and promotes international cooperation. One of its key objectives is the full implementation of the UN Convention in Central Asia, the Caucasus, and Eastern Europe.

By building partnerships and amplifying the voices of persons with disabilities, we strive to create an inclusive and accessible society for all.