OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe supports first National Congress of People with Disabilities

The first National Congress of People with Disabilities took place in Dushanbe on 25 and 26 October 2017 with the support of the OSCE Programme Office, bringing together some 70 people with disabilities from different regions of Tajikistan who shared their thoughts and experiences on their participation in public life, arts, sport and theatre.

Participants gathered in the Ismaili Centre Dushanbe where they engaged in discussions and were audience to different performances, including by dancers and basketball players on wheelchairs.

“The OSCE welcomes Tajikistan’s commitment to sign and ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and stands ready to support efforts in this direction by government and civil society,” said Scott Kearin, Head of the Human Dimension Department of the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe. “Persons with disabilities have the right to play a full and active role in the daily life and development of Tajikistan and as shown today have a lot to contribute.”

The event was organized by the Neki Foundation for the support of children with disabilities and the Union of People with Disabilities of Tajikistan. It was also supported by the United States Embassy in Dushanbe, Rakhsh Taxi Company and the Ismaili Centre Dushanbe.