In Kyrgyzstan, measures are being implemented aimed at protecting the rights of people with disabilities and ensuring an accessible environment. This was reported by Ainura Orozbaeva, Deputy Minister of Labor, Social Security, and Migration, on the air of Birinchi Radio.
Orozbaeva noted that the adoption of a new law on persons with disabilities in 2025, which was signed by the president, was an important step. This law is aimed at the practical application of the provisions of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, ratified by Kyrgyzstan in 2019.
“This is not just about changing terminology. We are demonstrating our commitment to the real implementation of international obligations. Persons with disabilities must be actively involved in public life — this is the essence of inclusion,” she emphasized.
The Deputy Minister also expressed the opinion that every citizen should feel comfortable and safe, as well as have the opportunity to fully exercise their constitutional rights.
According to Orozbaeva, as of 2025, more than 221,000 people with disabilities are registered in Kyrgyzstan, of which 37,000 are children.
As part of the state program "Accessible Country," support is provided not only to persons with disabilities but also to other groups with limited mobility, such as the elderly and pregnant women. The program covers areas including:
- employment;
- inclusive education;
- prosthetics;
- implementation of universal design principles.
“It is important that the accessible environment actually functions and is not just on paper,” Orozbaeva added.
She also noted that the responsibility for implementing the program lies not only with the ministry but with all government agencies. For example, when constructing new facilities, requirements for the absence of thresholds and the presence of ramps are taken into account.
In addition, youth initiatives, such as projects to create accessibility maps of urban infrastructure, are becoming increasingly popular, helping to highlight both accessible and less accessible areas of Bishkek.
“We are now 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 just the availability of Wi-Fi,” she stated.
The Deputy Minister also reminded that the new law introduces mandatory quotas for jobs for people with disabilities: at least 5% of the total number of employees when the staff is 20 or more.
Additionally, 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 Orozbaeva, these measures are aimed at creating more employment opportunities and social integration for people with disabilities.
