December 3 marks the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. On the eve of this event, a dialogue was held in Bishkek on the topic "The Right of Women and Girls with Disabilities to Live Free from Violence: Challenges and Opportunities." Participants noted that existing legislative mechanisms are often ineffective. The meeting also discussed amendments to the Criminal Code, which now classify violence as an aggravating circumstance, and presented a mobile application with an emergency button to assist victims.
Hidden Forms of Violence and Communication Barriers
The Deputy Minister of Labor, Social Development, and Migration, Ainura Orozbaeva, emphasized that violence against women and girls often occurs unnoticed. Openness and transparency in discussing these issues can help society combat such phenomena more effectively and ultimately eradicate them.
Venera Shonkoeva, information manager of the Agency for Social Technologies, added that women and girls are particularly vulnerable to discrimination and often remain misunderstood.
One woman with a disability approached the police, but her complaint was not accepted because law enforcement officers did not understand her due to speech problems. They assumed she was in a state of alcohol intoxication.
Venera Shonkoeva
“We regularly communicate with representatives of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, as each situation is unique and requires a careful approach,” she added.
Ministry of Internal Affairs' Response: Raids and Emergency Button App
Daniyar Saparbaev, head of the Department for the Prevention of Domestic Violence at the Ministry of Internal Affairs, noted the importance of preventive work to prevent gender violence. He reported that their department is actively conducting raids across the country using 60 minibuses, focusing on identifying cases of violence. Every three months, they organize events, including work with persons with disabilities.
Saparbaev acknowledged that legislative measures are often ineffective and that society needs to be educated on the unacceptability of silence and enduring violence. People must seek help from the appropriate authorities.
“If persons with disabilities or children witness violence, they are also considered victims. A mobile application with an emergency button for victims of domestic violence is currently being developed,” he added.
Changing the Approach and Amendments to the Criminal Code
Seinep Dykhanbaeva, a representative of the Association of Parents of Children with Disabilities, noted that today, people with disabilities can advocate for their rights on various platforms. She emphasized that changes in rhetoric and legislation are already evident.
“We have replaced outdated terminology regarding disabilities with more accurate terms: 'persons with disabilities.' This emphasizes that the person is of primary importance, not their status. We recognize their rights and adhere to the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, ratified by Kyrgyzstan in 2019,” she said.
Additionally, amendments have been made to the Criminal Code, which now classify violence against women with disabilities as an aggravating circumstance. This is an additional measure to prevent crimes against them.
During the event, an exhibition was also opened, organized by 12 women with disabilities, who shared their difficult stories through art and expressed protest against violence. The exhibition will be presented in all regions of the country as part of the inclusive museums project.
All participants agreed that reducing violence against women and girls is only possible through the joint efforts of government agencies, the media, law enforcement structures, and civil society organizations.
