Public Defender Submits Alternative Report to UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
On February 17, 2023, the Public Defender of Georgia submitted an alternative report on the implementation of the International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities by the Georgian authorities to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The alternative report echoes the first periodic report submitted by Georgia to the Committee and reviews the measures taken by the authorities to implement the Convention.
According to the alternative report, the transition to a fair system of granting disability status, which focuses on psychological and social factors in addition to medical aspects, is still an unresolved issue. The implementation of the legal capacity reform is faulty; Fulfilment of the obligation of reasonable accommodation and accessibility standards (including: physical environment, information) is problematic.
The alternative report reviews the rights situation of persons with disabilities in the fields of justice, employment, education, health and social protection, including the participation of persons with disabilities in political and public life, cultural, sports, leisure and recreational activities. Efforts made by the State to overcome stereotypes and stigma about persons with disabilities, as well as public awareness-raising activities, are described as insufficient.
The alternative report addresses challenges faced by particularly vulnerable groups such as: women with disabilities, children with disabilities (including children with disabilities in state care), persons with disabilities in penitentiary institutions, persons with psycho-social needs and beneficiaries of large institutions for persons with disabilities.
The UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities will review the report submitted by Georgia at the 28th session, which will be held on March 6-24, 2023. After reviewing the report, the Committee will adopt a final opinion, in which it will assess the implementation of the Convention by Georgia and offer its recommendations.
