Zulfiya Kuzieva, a solicitor with the Chuy Regional Bar Association, only recently began working on issues related to the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities, starting her work within the framework of the UNDP's "Access to Justice" project. Although she has handled a limited number of such cases so far, each has highlighted the serious systemic problems faced by people with disabilities when attempting to obtain justice.

One such case occurred in May of this year: parents were trying to have their adult son, who had been a wheelchair user since childhood, declared legally incapacitated.

"We faced enormous difficulties just getting him to the court," explains Zulfiya Kuzieva. "The approach to the ramp was blocked by a high kerb, and inside, the courtroom was too cramped to accommodate his wheelchair.”

The solicitor points out that these cases aren't just isolated incidents, but a reflection of systemic problems in ensuring access to justice and infrastructure for persons with disabilities. And while there is still a great deal of work to be done, she sees how attitudes towards the rights people with disabilities are changing.

Among these steps is the state programme "Accessible Country" for 2023-2030, approved with the support of the project. A Council for the Affairs of Persons with Disabilities was established in 2020. A bill has been prepared stipulating that all regulations affecting the interests of persons with disabilities must be mandatorily agreed with this Council, an important step towards systematically taking their needs into account.

Following ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2019, Kyrgyzstan committed itself to ensuring equal opportunities, and the project has become a key partner in their implementation.

"Thanks to the project, we can provide qualified legal assistance to those who need it most," says Zulfiya. "We inform people of their rights, where to turn for help, and support them at all stages of the legal process.”

The project is helping solicitors like Zulfiya to broaden their professional knowledge and acquire the skills needed to work effectively with people with disabilities. It is also promoting greater public awareness of the issues they face.

The lawyer emphasises that, for quality legal help to be achieved, there needs to be even greater focus going forward.

"Previously, people simply didn't know where to turn, and were often left to cope with their problems alone," she says. "Now, the situation is changing: more and more information is becoming available, people are learning about their rights and starting to stand up for them.”

Of course, there are still many outstanding challenges. It is necessary to ensure the accessibility of court buildings and other government premises, to train a sufficient number of qualified sign language interpreters, and to improve legislation, taking into account the needs of people with mental disabilities.

But, as Zulfiya Kuzieva stresses, the most important thing is a change in attitudes within society. "Only when we learn to see every person as an individual, regardless of their physical or mental characteristics, will we be able to build a truly fair and inclusive society," she believes.

The UNDP remains a key partner of the Kyrgyz Republic in implementing reforms that are aligned with the provisions of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.