March of people with disabilities begins in Issyk-Kul region

March of people with disabilities began in Issyk-Kul region of Kyrgyzstan. Media expert on labor rights of people with disabilities at Solidarity Center Askar Turdugulov told 24.kg news agency.

According to him, the march will last until June 24. At least 44 people with disabilities from five regions of Kyrgyzstan, moving in wheelchairs, participate in it. They plan to march from Balykchy to Cholpon-Ata.

«The purpose of this march is to reduce stereotypes and stigma against people with disabilities, as well as to promote and protect the rights of people with disabilities and promote inclusion in Kyrgyzstan,» he said.

He recalled that in 2019 Kyrgyzstan ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, in which it assumed obligations to create equal and accessible conditions for persons with disabilities. «However, there are many unresolved problems and barriers that prevent full and equal living of citizens with disabilities in Kyrgyzstan,» Askar Turdugulov said.

The march is held for the ninth time under the slogan «Nothing for us without us!».