The International Day of Persons with Disabilities is observed on December 3. The theme for this year’s International Day is “Achieving 17 Goals for the Future We Want”. The theme focuses on the importance of construction of an inclusive world for persons with disabilities and elimination of social barriers.

The UN Secretary General notes in his message of this year that full inclusion and effective participation of persons with disabilities, through eliminating stereotypes and discrimination against them, are necessary for achieving the abovementioned 17 goals.

Two years have passed since the ratification of the UN Convention in Georgia, though a number of problems still exist. Among them are important issues, such as creation of an effective mechanism for implementation of the Convention and ratification of its Optional Protocol; lack of availability of physical environment, infrastructure, transport and information for people with disabilities.

Major challenges for the state are social protection, realization of the right to adequate housing and employment, as well as the quality and continuity of inclusive education; the educational process does not include important part of children with different disabilities, especially in the regions.

The country does not have statistical data of people with disabilities or collection of research data, which is necessary for the development and realization of the necessary policy for effective implementation of the Convention.

The Public Defender of Georgia once again urges the Government to take effective steps to ensure equal participation of persons with disabilities in an inclusive and sustainable society.