Experts of the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Commend Kazakhstan on its Commitment to Produce a Text on Disability Rights, Ask about Persons with Disabilities in Emergency Situations and Those Living in Institutions
Experts of the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Commend Kazakhstan on its Commitment to Produce a Text on Disability Rights, Ask about Persons with Disabilities in Emergency Situations and Those Living in Institutions
The Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities today concluded its review of the initial report of Kazakhstan, with Committee Experts commending the State on its commitment to produce a new text on upholding the rights of persons with disabilities, while asking questions about persons with disabilities in emergency situations and those living in institutions.
A Committee Expert congratulated Kazakhstan on its commitment to produce a new text for better upholding the rights of persons with disabilities.
Another Committee Expert said efforts to ensure the safety of persons with disabilities during emergency situations were undertaken by the guideline issued by the Ministry of Emergency Responses. However, the guideline fell short of modifying the different needs of persons with disabilities. What plans were in place to review all existing policies and programmes relating to emergency situations?
One Committee Expert asked about the strategy to de-institutionalise persons with psychosocial disabilities; what were these plans? Another Expert said some persons with disabilities lived in small capacity homes of around 10 to 15 people, which could be similar to small institutions. Did the State party have plans to review the existing legislation regarding independent living, to bring it in line with the Convention?
The delegation said recently, there had been an earthquake in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Following this, an organisational event was organised, where all legal documents and algorithms were updated. Methodological guides and recommendations were being developed to improve the action of emergency services, including for earthquakes and other forms of emergencies, such as floods. Access to information in emergency situations was being prepared for persons with different types of disabilities. Local responders were also being trained on this issue, as were persons with disabilities, so they knew how to act in the event of an earthquake.
The delegation said a new Social Services Code had been introduced last year, which aimed to introduce the small capacity homes across the country. Overall, small capacity homes were a first step towards deinstitutionalisation. Centres were open for children with intellectual impairments. To date, there were five centres open, with a further three to be opened soon. Each of the 20 regions in the country would also open their own centres, to provide free-of-charge assistance to children with disabilities.
Nazgul Sagindykova, Vice-Minister of Labour and Social Protection of the Population of Kazakhstan and head of the delegation, introducing the report, said the State was making great efforts to achieve the goals of the United Nations Strategy on Persons with Disabilities, as well as implementing the provisions of the Convention.
In Kazakhstan, more than 29,000 persons with type one disabilities were provided with individual assistants, and more than 8,000 were provided with sign language specialists. Over the past two school years, more than 52,000 children with disabilities were enrolled in general education schools, and around 17,000 children with disabilities were enrolled in 99 special schools. At the beginning of the year, more than 34,000 persons with disabilities were covered by measures to promote employment. However, Kazakhstan still had a long way to go to create an inclusive society so that no one was left behind.
In concluding remarks, Ms. Sagindykova thanked the Committee for the open dialogue over the past two days. Kazakhstan was determined to develop an inclusive society, and all recommendations from the Committee would be taken into account when developing the State’s inclusive policy.
Markus Schefer, Committee Expert and Taskforce Coordinator for Kazakhstan, said the dialogue had been constructive and had attempted to guide the State party to move forward in its efforts to implement the Convention. There were still many measures to be taken by Kazakhstan, which required a fundamental revaluation of persons with disabilities and their position within society.
The delegation of Kazakhstan was comprised of representatives from the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection; the Ministry of Education; the Ministry of Health; the Ministry of Science and Higher Education; the Ministry of Information and Social Development; the Ministry of Transport; the Ministry of Industry and Construction; the Ministry of Internal Affairs; the Senate of the Parliament; the Court Administration; the Prosecutor General’s Office; and the Permanent Mission of Kazakhstan to the United Nations Office at Geneva.
Summaries of the public meetings of the Committee can be found here, while webcasts of the public meetings can be found here. The programme of work of the Committee’s thirtieth session and other documents related to the session can be found here.
The Committee will next meet in public at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, 6 March, to consider the initial report of Zambia (CRPD/C/ZMB/1).
Report
The Committee has before it the initial report of Kazakhstan (CRPD/C/KAZ/1).
Presentation of Report
NAZGUL SAGINDYKOVA, Vice-Minister of Labour and Social Protection of the Population of Kazakhstan and head of the delegation, said the State was making great efforts to achieve the goals of the United Nations Strategy on Persons with Disabilities, as well as implementing the provisions of the Convention. Around 725,000 persons with disabilities lived in Kazakhstan, accounting for around four per cent of the total population. Legislative measures and a legal framework had been adopted to ensure the implementation of the Convention. Within the framework of the Government's national plan to ensure the rights and improve the quality of life of persons with disabilities, measures were being implemented to ensure social rehabilitation and habilitation, to establish a barrier-free environment and access to services, and to modernise public mindset. Work had begun on the development of an inclusive policy until 2030.
A draft law on mass media had been developed, which provided for an increase in the amount of television content with sign language interpretation and captioning. The bill was under consideration by parliament. Work was also underway to accede to the Marrakesh Treaty. Local executive bodies, together with non-governmental organizations, had formed an interactive accessibility map covering more than 35,000 social infrastructure facilities. Work was underway to include all public facilities and introduce a version of the accessibility map for the blind. There were 83 interstate and national standards for the accessibility of facilities in force, with monitoring carried out by inspectors. Failure to ensure access to social and transport infrastructure for cultural events incurred administrative liability.
Free guaranteed legal aid for persons with disabilities was provided in all social services centres. Measures were being taken to ensure the safety of citizens with disabilities in risk situations. Since 2021, the units of the State Fire Service had been automatically generating data on the places of residence of about 100,000 persons with limited mobility, allowing these persons to be warned in a timely way in cases of an emergency. In Kazakhstan, more than 29,000 persons with type one disabilities were provided with individual assistants, and more than 8,000 were provided with sign language specialists. Over the past two school years, more than 52,000 children with disabilities were enrolled in general education schools, and around 17,000 children with disabilities were enrolled in 99 special schools. More than 9,000 special teachers worked in educational organizations, providing psychological and pedagogical support services. Coordinators for inclusive education had been appointed in universities.
Persons with disabilities had the right to guaranteed medical care at the expense of budgetary funds, including preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic medical services. Voluntary consent was necessary and enshrined in the State strategy. Work was underway to build an additional 12 new rehabilitation centres in the social protection system. The social services portal was launched, which provided for the right to independently choose and receive technical means of rehabilitation and services and access to them regardless of the place of residence. Last year alone, more than half a million technical means of rehabilitation were provided through the portal.
At the beginning of the year, more than 34,000 persons with disabilities were covered by measures to promote employment. As a result of the introduced 30 per cent electoral quota for persons with disabilities, 71 deputies with disabilities were elected in local representative bodies as well as seven in parliament. The Coordinating Council on Persons with Disabilities was actively working. An independent institution of the Ombudsman for the rights of socially vulnerable categories of the population was created, the main purpose of which was to ensure guarantees of the rights and legitimate interests of socially vulnerable categories. Kazakhstan still had a long way to go to create an inclusive society so that no one was left behind. The delegation stood ready to answer questions from distinguished members of the Committee.
Questions by Committee Experts
MARKUS SCHEFER, Committee Expert and Taskforce Coordinator for Kazakhstan, said the State party report masterfully wove together the variety of measures to implement the Convention, creating a first impression of near perfection. However, conversations with civil society showed that progress towards genuine inclusive education in practice was slow. A significant percentage of children with disabilities continued to be educated at home, isolated from their peers. Children with disabilities living in residential institutions may receive little or no education. Troubling information on these institutions had been provided.
A Committee Expert said Kazakhstan was a country of unforgettable musicians, novelists, poets and creative arts. The report painted a rosy picture. Despite all the efforts made, why was there still a medical definition of disability in the Social Services Code?
Responses by the Delegation
The delegation said there had been a turning point where Kazakhstan started to talk about persons with disabilities as full members of society. Six deputies with disabilities had entered parliament in last year’s elections. People with disabilities were elected without any quotas, which showed society was beginning to accept this as a norm. It was important for persons with disabilities to be agents of change. The definition of disability in the legislation did not correspond to the definition in the Convention. The new definition was being proposed in a bill in parliament, where work was underway.
Questions by Committee Experts and Answers by the Delegation
A Committee Expert asked about measures taken for the State to conform its legislation with the Convention? Had steps been taken to revise the national laws to make them conform with the Convention? Were there plans to revise discriminatory provisions, particularly regarding the Health Code?
The delegation said all citizens were guaranteed medical assistance, particularly those who had disabilities. A bill and an inclusive policy were being developed, which would bring all areas and standards into line.
MARKUS SCHEFER, Committee Expert and Taskforce Coordinator for Kazakhstan, asked if medical assistance was extended to asylum seekers and stateless persons?
The delegation said emergency medical attendance was provided to refugees. Only around 300 refugees were registered in the country.
A Committee Expert asked how the State dealt with discrimination complaints on the basis of disability, while there was no clear definition for discrimination on the basis of disability? How was this defined? For example, if persons with disabilities were denied reasonable accommodation, was this considered legally and judicially a discriminatory practice?
The delegation said all citizens had the right to judicial protection. Persons with disabilities had four options of legal proceedings. The inclusive parliament group, together with the Government had introduced a legislative amendment to an existing law, including regulation of the concept of discrimination on the grounds of disability. In the event of discrimination, administrative measures including fines were imposed. If there was a failure to comply with employment quotas, the employer incurred administrative liability.
A Committee Expert asked what measures the State took to ensure protection for women with disabilities, given that the law on domestic violence had no provisions protecting persons with disabilities, particularly women?
The delegation said a new bill was initiated by parliamentarians and was currently under consideration by the senate. The bill before the senate would create temporary shelters for women and family members.
MARKUS SCHEFER, Committee Expert and Taskforce Coordinator for Kazakhstan, asked what was being done to protect women and girls in remote areas?
The delegation said 140 buses had been purchased by the Government which contained mobile medical equipment, ultrasound equipment and gynaecological chairs to care for women in remote areas.
A Committee Expert said the situation of children with disabilities in the country was concerning. The Expert asked when Kazakhstan would abolish all forms of institutionalisation and forced hospitalisation for children with disabilities?
The delegation said the country was taking systemic measures to improve the quality of life for children with disabilities. The Social Code adopted last year foresaw the provisions of social services centres and of special social services. The goal was to move away from the large capacity centres to smaller ones. In Kazakhstan, there was a legislative basis for access to information for all citizens. A bill introducing amendments to the act on information was ongoing, and there would be a specific amendment to access for information for persons with disabilities.
A Committee Expert asked if Kazakhstan was at least 90 per cent accessible? How were accessibility measures enforced?
The delegation said that following the ratification of the Convention, mandatory requirements on accessibility for persons with disabilities had been established. There was a separate section on access for persons with disabilities now. Monitoring of compliance was carried out by technical inspectors. When planning neighbourhoods, there needed to be an agreement to establish the necessary accessibility. Five per cent of housing units were required to be accessible when planning. An accessibility map of facilities encompassed social and transport infrastructure, which enabled persons with disabilities to see facilities which were accessible to them from their home.
A Committee Expert asked what measures were in place to ensure independent monitoring of the Convention? How did the Committee engage persons with disabilities and their organizations effectively in the monitoring processes?
The delegation said the mandate of the national preventive mechanism had been strengthened. A presidential decree created the ombudsperson for vulnerable groups. Local executive bodies took part in standard settings, and the monitoring of the implementation of State programmes. In the near future, there would be a meeting in the senate dedicated to the creation of a monitoring system.
A Committee Expert asked if there were any organizations run by persons with intellectual disabilities, for persons with disabilities? What steps had been taken to ensure the effective participation of persons with disabilities, in consultation with organizations for persons with disabilities?
In response, the delegation said many people with intellectual disabilities took part in the work of organizations for persons with disabilities. There were around 3,000 sites which needed to be updated to ensure accessibility.
Another Expert said many of the e-government services and websites continued to be inaccessible to persons with disabilities, particularly those with a visual impairment. What plans were there to enforce standards and ensure accessibility? What was the Government doing to ensure the necessary digital content accessibility materials, including technology, would be afforded to people with disabilities?
The delegation said accessibility of premises in Kazakhstan was actually at 40 per cent but the State was aiming for 90 per cent.
A Committee Expert said Kazakhstan had one of the highest rates of suicide in the world. Were there any statistics on persons with disabilities who had committed suicide? What was the mortality rate for persons with disabilities in psychiatric or penitentiary institutions?
The delegation said that in 2023, three cases had been registered of persons with disabilities who had committed suicide. No deaths of persons with disabilities by suicide in penitentiary institutions had been recorded that year.
Another Expert asked about the bill on disability-based discrimination. Did it include frameworks and definitions on direct and indirect discrimination?
The delegation said the bill on discrimination had been sent to the government and would be ready to come before the parliament.
A Committee Expert said there were 50 cases of suicide among persons with disabilities between 2018 to 2021. Were these investigated? How did these events occur and where? The forced hospitalisation of children with disabilities reflected a weak support for families with children with disabilities. How were families with children with disabilities engaged and supported so they did not send their children to residential care centres?
The delegation said all cases of suicide were registered before any investigation was carried out. During investigations, the reasons on the conditions behind suicides were thoroughly investigated. Following the results of the investigation, the investigators needed to present their conclusions on the reasons for suicide.
An Expert congratulated Kazakhstan on the commitment to produce a new text for better upholding the rights of persons with disabilities. What actions were currently underway to give children more participation and say in decision-making? How were women with disabilities involved in decision-making? Was there accessible transport for persons with disabilities which made it possible for them to access health care services?
The delegation said there were more than 100,000 children with disabilities in Kazakhstan and hospitalisation of these children depended on their age and where they were born. Kazakhstan was the only country in central Asia where heart surgery could be carried out at birth. Over 70 per cent of these surgeries had been successful. The State aimed to open up small-scale homes for children with disabilities in villages, to improve infrastructure in more remote areas. Government support was provided to families who looked after children with disabilities.
A Committee Expert asked what legislation was in place to abolish existing laws and customs which constituted discrimination against women and girls with disabilities?
The delegation said a law had been approved for special social services for victims of domestic violence, which determined the special services which may be provided to women with disabilities. The Government and parliament were trying to develop better ways of supporting women and girls.
A Committee Expert said efforts to ensure the safety of persons with disabilities during emergency situations were undertaken by the guideline issued by the Ministry of Emergency Responses. However, the guideline fell short of modifying the different needs of persons with disabilities. What plans were in place to review all existing policies and programmes relating to emergency situations?
The delegation said recently, there had been an earthquake in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Following this, an organisational event was organised, where all legal documents and algorithms were updated. Methodological guides and recommendations were being developed to improve the action of emergency services, including for earthquakes and other forms of emergencies, such as floods. There was an algorithm for action which dictated how emergency services needed to respond and how the local executive bodies must act.
MARKUS SCHEFER, Committee Expert and Taskforce Coordinator for Kazakhstan, said information had been received that people with disabilities had not been alerted to the earthquake. Did this mean there were currently no emergency responses which conformed with article 11, but that they were being devised?
The delegation said access to information in emergency situations was being prepared for persons with different types of disabilities. Local responders were also being trained on this issue, as were persons with disabilities, so they knew how to act in the event of an earthquake.
A Committee Expert asked how persons with disabilities had participated in the design, monitoring and the evaluation of disaster and emergency situations? What measures were included in recovery plans to address the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on persons with disabilities? What measures were being taken to ensure that asylum seekers and refugees with disabilities received the social services provided by existing laws?
In response, the delegation said there was a national procedure on developing legislation for each type of emergency. The specific needs of persons with disabilities needed to be taken into account. Roundtables were organised to this effect. The pandemic was a difficult time for all. Over the past five years, significant amounts of money had been allocated to rehabilitation. Refugees in Kazakhstan also had a right to social protection in the context of the national treaties which had been adopted.
A Committee Expert said the Civil Code of Procedures prohibited incapacitated citizens from performing legal actions on an equal basis with others, including marriage and accessing a bank loan. What measures were being taken to abolish guardianship and support a decision-making regime? Information had been received that persons with disabilities living in institutions had limited access to justice. What measures could be taken to ensure that all persons with disabilities living in institutions could participate in judicial proceedings? How were persons with disabilities being provided with procedural accommodation?
The delegation said the norms existed to protect people’s rights independently during disability; 180 people had had their legal capacity restored following court decisions. There were plans to review procedures for guardianship and caregiving. Children had a right to express their opinion on any family issue and had a right to be heard in court.
Questions by Committee Experts
MARKUS SCHEFER, Committee Expert and Taskforce Coordinator for Kazakhstan, said a report had been published in 2019 which stated that persons with disabilities committed to psychiatric institutions in Kazakhstan faced a plethora of infringements on their individual rights, including deprivation of legal capacity and misappropriation of funds. What had the State party been doing to correct the infringements described in the report?
Mr. Schefer said there was no specific provision within the law on refugees preventing refugees from being deported to a country where they ran the risk of torture. Was this reading of the law correct? Was the Government planning to change this legal basis?
A Committee Expert asked if there were any cases of clear contradiction between the Convention and national laws? In the Health Code, there were practices which could be classified as torture, for example using physical or chemical restraints. What was being done to abolish such provisions?
Responses by the Delegation
The delegation said there had been cases of people who had been institutionalised and were now living independently outside of institutions, having been recognised in court. In 2022, the procedure court introduced norms enshrining the rights of persons with disabilities to have a sign language interpreter and use of braille when in court. There had been 32 cases of sign language interpreters involved in court cases over the past three years. The issue of grades of dispositive capacity regarding guardianship had been raised in the Senate.
The delegation said Kazakhstan had ratified international treaties and gave precedence to them over domestic legislation.
Questions by Committee Experts
A Committee Expert asked if the State party had a comprehensive policy targeting women with disabilities to combat violence, exploitation, and other abuses? If not, was there a plan to draft specific policies on this issue? In Kazakhstan, there were 48 shelters for victims of domestic violence. How many of these were fully accessible for persons with disabilities, particularly women with disabilities? What measures were taken by the State party to prevent all forms of forced sterilisation, abortion and sexual abuse?
Another Expert said there was a long way to go in Kazakhstan to fix the issue of forced hospitalisation of persons with disabilities. Would the State consider revising texts, including the Health Code, which appeared to permit acts of torture, with the aim of abolishing them?
Responses by the Delegation
The delegation said a bill was passed in Kazakhstan on the protection of women and children from domestic violence. But this was not quite sufficient, particularly when it came to women with disabilities. That was why members of parliament would initiate amendments to this act, which would stipulate specific criminal procedures for violence against persons with disabilities. Today in Kazakhstan, there were 50 crisis centres, an increase from 14 in 2017. These centres were all perfectly adapted for persons with disabilities. Over the past five years, 36 women with disabilities had used these centres. The choice of contraceptive methods was the prerogative of women. In Kazakhstan, abortion was done at the initiative of women; there was no ban on abortions.
In 2019, the Health Code was updated in relation to people with psychosocial disabilities, and it now stated that drugs were issued in accordance with the standards of treatment, and could only be prescribed by a doctor. Physical restraint measures and isolation were only used when deemed necessary by doctors. This usually occurred when there was a case of psychosis. Strait jackets were not used, nor were physical restraints such as binding. The Ministry of Health would work on improving this legislation and bring it into line with the Convention’s standards.
Questions by Committee Experts
A Committee Expert said persons with psychosocial disabilities were often placed in hospital for long periods of time, sometimes their entire life. In 2011, a study found that 80 per cent of staff in specialised education institutions had violated provisions of the Code. What was the Government doing to ensure that persons with disabilities could exercise their rights, including receiving assisted support? Women with disabilities were sometime forced to terminate their pregnancy. What was being done to address this?
An Expert asked about measures being taken to prevent and prosecute all forms of corporal punishment in schools and institutions?
Responses by the Delegation
The delegation said when a person with a disability was a victim of an offence, this was considered an aggravating circumstance under the Criminal Code. In 2023, 32 criminal cases were brought forward in which persons with disabilities were the victims. In Kazakhstan, the reproductive health of women was protected by the State. Persons with disabilities had the right to make their own reproductive choices and receive information on family planning. They were also able to receive fertility treatments, and were free to choose the number of children they wished to have. A special service was available to treat women with disabilities who had contracted venereal diseases.
There were now video cameras in all child centres. The centres that provided social services could be subjected to unscheduled control visits. If a complaint was received, inspectors could visit the centres to assess the situation without providing any notice.
Questions by Committee Experts
A Committee Expert asked about the strategy to de-institutionalise people with psychosocial disabilities; what were these plans?
Another Expert said some persons with disabilities lived in small capacity homes of around 10 to 15 persons, which could be similar to small institutions. Did the State party have plans to review the existing legislation regarding independent living, to bring it in line with the Convention?
Were measures in place to support the exercise of legal capacity of persons with intellectual and psychosocial disabilities?
MARKUS SCHEFER, Committee Expert and Taskforce Coordinator for Kazakhstan, asked if the State was planning to accede to the 1954 Convention on the Status of Stateless Persons and the 1961 Convention on Statelessness. There were currently around 7,300 stateless persons living in Kazakhstan, including some with disabilities.
Responses by the Delegation
The delegation said a new Social Services Code had been introduced last year, which aimed to introduce the small capacity homes across the country. Overall, small capacity homes were a first step towards deinstitutionalisation. Centres were open for children with intellectual impairments. To date there were five centres open, with a further three to be opened soon. Each of the 20 regions in the country would also open their own centres to provide free-of-charge assistance to children with disabilities.
Children with intellectual disabilities were educated in special nurseries, with a curriculum developed specifically for them. There were 23 centres which had been created for this purpose. Persons with foreign residency, including persons with disabilities, were permitted to acquire identification documents. All persons, including stateless persons, had equal rights within Kazakhstan.
Questions by Committee Experts
A Committee Expert asked what mechanisms were in place to ensure freedom of expression was not limited by the State party, including in the cases of activists with disabilities? How many sign language services were available? Were there mechanisms in place to protect the misuse of data?
MARKUS SCHEFER, Committee Expert and Taskforce Coordinator for Kazakhstan, said during the events of 2022, around 10,000 people who were protesting in the streets were incarcerated, including persons with disabilities. After these events, were any specific precautionary measures taken to prevent such draconic crackdowns on free speech in the future?
Another Expert asked what measures had been taken to eliminate discrimination against women with disabilities when it came to marriage? What measures were taken to prohibit involuntary sterilisation and forced abortion, particularly for women with intellectual and psychosocial disabilities?
Responses by the Delegation
The delegation said the law on state secrecy protected personal data and was in accordance with international standards. Persons with disabilities could express their opinions. The system of online petitions would come into force in April this year. To date, sign language services were accessible for persons for disabilities through a portal, which could be accessed by anyone wherever they were in Kazakhstan. Any misuse of data was followed up and investigated by regulative procedures.
There had been a single case of torture against a person with disabilities which had appeared before the courts. A group of parliamentarians had been established to carry out visits to the places of detention where those involved in the January events were held. There had been no complaints received regarding the conditions of detention.
There had been cases in the past where women with disabilities had been talked into terminating their pregnancy, but now the situation was improving. Support was given to these women if they wanted to be mothers. Abortion was only carried out with the written and informed consent of the woman herself.
Questions by a Committee Expert
A Committee Expert asked what measures were being taken to ensure access to quality education on the basis of disability? What was being done to enhance the accessibility of preschool, primary and secondary facilities? What steps were being taken to ensure learning platforms were in line with international standards? How was it ensured that refugees and asylum seekers with disabilities were educated without discrimination?
What measures were available to ensure access to housing for persons with disabilities? How was the informed consent of persons with disabilities guaranteed in health facilities and with health service providers? Were there measures in place to provide the health consent form in easy-read, braille or sign language?
How were persons with disabilities encouraged to enter the workforce? What was the mechanism for conducting monitoring of non-discrimination within the workforce? How many persons with disabilities were employed within the Government?
Responses by the Delegation
The delegation said psychological counsellors had been introduced to schools, moving from the medical model to the pedagogical model in 2022. They now defined children’s educational pathways, taking into account the opinion of the parents. In 2017, Kazakhstan doubled funds allocated to children with disabilities. The key focus had been to enhance the training of teachers. Around 86 per cent of secondary schools had now created conditions for inclusive education; that figure was only 13 per cent in 2015.
There was a standard document whereby a patient provided their consent before any medical procedure. There were more than 55,000 individuals with disabilities who were waiting for housing. The Government was ensuring the availability of lease contracts; around 10,000 flats had been leased out with government leases to persons with disabilities. A system of quotas was used to ensure access to universities for persons with disabilities, as well as the issuing of grants. There were more than 2,000 persons with disabilities studying at university, with 1,800 of them studying at the Government’s expense.
Quotas were used to help persons with disabilities enter the workforce, and subsidies were granted to employers. There was a national programme for employment and within this programme, citizens with disabilities were prioritised.
Questions by Committee Experts
A Committee Expert asked if there were any plans for de-institutionalisation for persons with disabilities, in accordance with the guideline on institutionalisation?
Another Expert asked what measures were in place to determine the barriers faced by students with diverse disabilities who were pursuing secondary education? What recourse mechanisms existed for students with disabilities who were facing barriers to their education?
An Expert asked what measures the Government had taken to prevent persons with disabilities from being discriminated against when medical insurance was being issued? What was being done to distribute medical information so that it was accessible for persons with all kinds of disabilities?
Another Expert asked what measures were being taken by Kazakhstan to monitor and address the ongoing effects of the nuclear testing programme conducted in 1949? Were there programmes to address the health impacts, including on reproductive health?
A Committee Expert asked what measures had been put in place to provide reasonable accommodation for parliamentarians with disabilities? Was there a flow of information from the community of persons with disabilities to parliament?
Responses by the Delegation
The delegation said the curricula and infrastructure in higher education facilities were adapted for students with disabilities. In Kazakhstan, the legislation regulated Government information, in print formats and across social networks. Last year, 33,000 pieces of material were published through the Government and regional media. Persons with disabilities were directly involved with this, including on Government television channels. Work was being done to train journalists on disability matters.
Members of parliament with disabilities received assistance, including a personal assistant who was paid for by the State. Currently, members of parliament were introducing suggestions to update the methods of work to try and create even more opportunities for members with disabilities.
The nuclear site was in the northeast of the country and the tests took place from 1949 to the 1990s. There was a research centre on radiation and oncology which worked on the rehabilitation of the radiated population.
Questions by Committee Experts
One Committee Expert asked what measures were being taken to protect women with disabilities from discrimination in employment, including denial of reasonable accommodation?
A Committee Expert asked how the State engaged persons with disabilities in international cooperation programmes related to their rights? What was the mechanism to allow them to identify national priorities for their rights?
Responses by the Delegation
The delegation said there was no discrimination when it came to women with disabilities. Employers were subsidised by the State if they recruited a person with disabilities. Social inspectors carried out inspections to ensure there were properly fitted buildings for persons with disabilities at workplaces. The State was actively cooperating with and received funding from organizations such as UN Women and the United Nations Development Programme.
Concluding Remarks
NAZGUL SAGINDYKOVA, Vice-Minister of Labour and Social Protection of the Population of Kazakhstan and head of the delegation, thanked the Committee for the open dialogue over the past two days. Kazakhstan was determined to develop an inclusive society, and all recommendations from the Committee would be taken into account when developing the State’s inclusive policy.
MARKUS SCHEFER, Committee Expert and Taskforce Coordinator for Kazakhstan, said the dialogue had been constructive and had attempted to guide the State party to move forward in its efforts to implement the Convention. There were still many measures to be taken by Kazakhstan, which required a fundamental revaluation of persons with disabilities and their position within society.
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