Astana, Kazakhstan – From October 9 to 11, 2024, government officials, disability rights advocates, and international experts convened at the IBIS Hotel in Astana for an international workshop on the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). The event focused on advancing social inclusion and accessibility for persons with disabilities across the region.
The workshop commenced with a welcome speech by Vasyl Nazarenko, Chairperson of the International Union of Organizations of Disabled Persons (IUDPO), who also served as the event moderator. Other key speakers included Zakhira Begaliyeva, Advisor to the Minister of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of Kazakhstan and Director of the ITeachMe Foundation, and Robert Venne, Social Affairs Officer at the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs.
The first day featured discussions on Article 9 of the UNCRPD, emphasizing accessibility as a fundamental right. Presentations were delivered by experts including Mehman Ramazanov on disability determination in Azerbaijan, Abdullo Abdukhalilov on inclusive design, and George Dzneladze on preschool education. The session also covered employment opportunities for persons with disabilities, with contributions from Andre Nowak and Qudratullo Kurbonov.
A working meeting at the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of Kazakhstan highlighted the country’s progress in implementing the UNCRPD. Presentations included Kazakhstan’s first national report on the Convention’s implementation, delivered by Askarbek Ertaev, and an overview of Germany’s inclusive labor market by Torsten Einstmann. Rimma Yeganyan provided insights into Armenia’s disability assessment reforms.
The day concluded with a practical accessibility audit at the Oceanarium Astana, allowing participants to assess real-world applications of accessibility standards.
The second day of the workshop centered on employment strategies for persons with disabilities across the region. Presentations highlighted employment policies in Moldova, Kyrgyzstan, and Armenia, delivered by experts including Iuri Gheorghita, Shukurbek Kuchkachov, and Armen Alaverdyan. Ulan Inkarbekov discussed accessibility provisions under Article 9 of the UNCRPD.
Another session examined the role of public organizations in advocating for the Convention’s ratification. Discussions featured contributions from Asadullo Zikrikhudoev, Uladzimir Patapenka, and Gunta Anča, with a focus on best practices from the European Disability Summit. The day concluded with a meeting with UNDP representatives to discuss future initiatives and collaborations.
The final day focused on policy recommendations for Kazakhstan. High-level speakers included Kenzheul Seitzhan, Commissioner for the Rights of Socially Vulnerable Populations, and Lyazzat Kaltaeva, Deputy of the Senate of the Parliament of Kazakhstan. Key discussions revolved around the implementation of UN Committee recommendations on disability rights and Kazakhstan’s inclusive policy framework. Working groups engaged in detailed discussions on the Concept of Inclusive Policy, presenting their findings to the broader audience.
The workshop served as a critical platform for exchanging experiences, strengthening policies, and reinforcing commitments to the UNCRPD. Participants emphasized the importance of regional cooperation and ongoing efforts to enhance accessibility and social inclusion for persons with disabilities. Future initiatives and collaborations were outlined to further the implementation of disability rights in Kazakhstan and beyond.
