Public Defender: “full, effective” protection of rights of disabled people “still problematic” in Georgia

The Georgian state has taken positive steps in ensuring rights of people with disabilities, however “full and effective protection” remains “problematic”, a statement released by the Georgian Public Defender on the occasion of the Day of Protection of Rights of the People with Disabilities notes.

The statement identifies a number of shortcomings in the field and calls on state institutions to take “effective steps” to ensure proper realisation of the rights of disabled individuals.

It notes access to physical environment, information, means of communication and a variety of services remains a challenge, in addition to “insufficient” socio-economic support, relevant services and aid.

• Proper involvement of adults and children with disabilities in education is still problematic, the statement highlights, adding it is necessary to take effective measures to ensure access to educational space, resources and process, mobilise a sufficient number of inclusive education professionals in a timely manner, including at preschool level.
• Employment of persons with disabilities and realisation of their right to work are also tied with difficulties, the statement of the Public Defender also said, noting barriers to employment - including inaccessible environment and services, lack of formal education and discriminatory treatment by employers.
• The right to adequate housing and work against homelessness are also mentioned as challenges, with needs of people with disabilities “completely or partially ignored” in a “vast majority of social housing” in the country. Problems include inaccessibility of the physical space of the buildings, overcrowding, and lack of support services.
• Measures taken in the field of mental health are summarised in the statement as not being enough, with the number of community services and their geographical coverage having “not increased significantly”. A strategy for deinstitutionalisation has not been developed yet, it also says, highlighting the process remains a challenge for large institutions.
• Transition to a “fair” system for granting disability status - which, apart from medical factors, would focus on psychological and social factors - also remains a challenge, with the amount of the social package defined by the current model not being tailored to individual needs of beneficiaries and unable to meet “even their minimal needs”.
• Public awareness of issues related to persons with disabilities is still low, the Public Defender said, with the issue reflected in “incorrect terminology and stereotypical views”. The above promotes stigmatisation of disabled individuals, creates barriers and prevents inclusion in public life, the statement points out.

Georgia marks the Day of Persons with Disabilities on June 14 to raise public awareness and remind state institutions of their responsibilities in the process of improving the rights of people with disabilities.