In Kyrgyzstan, measures are actively being implemented to protect the rights of persons with disabilities and to create an accessible environment. This was reported by Ainura Orozbaeva, Deputy Minister of Labor, Social Protection, and Migration, on the air of Birinchi Radio.
She noted that a key event was the adoption of a new law on persons with disabilities in 2025, which was signed by the president. This law aims at the practical implementation of the provisions of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, ratified in Kyrgyzstan in 2019.
“This is not just a change of terminology, but a confirmation of our readiness to implement international obligations in practice. We strive for inclusion so that persons with disabilities can fully participate in public life,” emphasized Orozbaeva.
The Deputy Minister also reported that in 2025, there are more than 221,000 persons with disabilities in the country, including 37,000 children. The state program "Accessible Country" provides measures not only for persons with disabilities but also for other categories, such as the elderly and pregnant women. The program covers various areas, including:
- inclusive education;
- prosthetics;
- employment;
- principles of universal design.
The implementation of this program is carried out by the Ministry of Labor, Social Protection, and Migration in collaboration with international partners, including UNDP.
“The key point is that the accessible environment must function in practice, not just remain a declaration,” she added.
Orozbaeva also emphasized that the responsibility for implementing the program lies with all government agencies. When constructing new facilities, requirements for the absence of thresholds and the mandatory installation of ramps are already being taken into account.
In addition, youth initiatives to create accessibility maps of the urban environment are becoming increasingly popular. These maps help identify which areas of Bishkek are more or less accessible for persons with limited mobility.
“Today, we are more interested in the convenience of the city for mothers with strollers and people with limited mobility, as well as the accessibility of educational and medical institutions, rather than the availability of Wi-Fi,” she noted.
The new law also introduces mandatory quotas for jobs for persons with disabilities, establishing a minimum of 5% of the total number of employees for organizations with 20 or more employees.
In addition, tax benefits are provided, such as:
a reduction of income tax to 5% for persons with disabilities of the first and second groups;
special benefits for third group individuals with hearing impairments.
According to the Deputy Minister, all these measures are aimed at improving employment opportunities and social integration for persons with disabilities.
