Tbilisi: The Ombudsman of Georgia presented an alternative report to the UN Committee on the Rights of Disabled persons on the implementation of the International Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities by the Georgian Government. The Alternative Report refers to the first periodic report submitted by Georgia to the Committee and reviews government measures for the implementation of the Convention.
According to the alternative report, the transition to the legal system of granting disability status, which in addition to medical testimony, will focus on the psychological and social factors of the person, is still unresolved. Legal reform is flawed in practice; compliance with reasonable compliance obligations and accessibility standards (including physical environment, and information) is a problem.
The alternative report discusses the legal status of persons with disabilities in the spheres of justice, employment, education, health care and social protection, including political and public life, and participation of persons with disability in cultural, sports, entertainment and recreational events. Efforts by the state to overcome stereotypes and stigma about people with disabilities, including the lack of community awareness activities, are underrated.
The alternative report addresses challenges faced by particularly disadvantaged groups such as women with disabilities, children with disabilities (including children with disabilities in state care), people with disabilities in penitentiary institutions, persons with psycho-social needs, and beneficiaries of large institutions with disabilities.
The United Nations Committee on the Rights of Disabled persons will consider 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 receive a conclusion in which the implementation of the Convention in Georgia will be evaluated, and the recommendations of the Committee will be made.
