LocationsUNDP Tajikistan presented the findings of a joint research study on the challenges and opportunities for persons with disabilities to access employment and justice during the Inclusive Employment Forum in Dushanbe on July 16, 2026, highlighting the importance of moving from evidence-based analysis towards practical solutions that enable equal participation in society.
From Research to Action: Advancing Inclusive Employment Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities in Tajikistan
July 29, 2026
Participants of the Inclusive Employment Forum.
UNDP Tajikistan/ Nigora Fazliddin
The research, titled “From Experience to Solutions: Access to Justice and Employment Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities in Tajikistan”, was conducted by three civil society organisations in 2025— Public Association “Durnamo”, Public Association “Mehrbakhsh”, and Public Association “Navzamin” — with support from UNDP. The study examined the barriers faced by persons with disabilities in accessing legal education, professional development, employment opportunities, justice services, and legal assistance.
Presenting the research findings, Sharifjon Barotov, Head of Public Association “Durnamo”, emphasised that ensuring employment opportunities for persons with disabilities requires addressing interconnected challenges across education, skills development, accessibility, and institutional practices.
The research covered Sughd and Khatlon regions, Dushanbe city, and districts of republican subordination. Researchers used a “from experience to solutions” approach, applying methods such as document analysis, interviews, focus groups, observations, accessibility assessments, and reviews of digital accessibility.
Sharifjon Barotov, Head of Public Association “Durnamo”, which led the research study, presents findings on barriers and opportunities for persons with disabilities to access employment and justice in Tajikistan.
UNDP Tajikistan/ Nigora Fazliddin
According to the findings, despite progress in strengthening the legal framework on the rights and social protection of persons with disabilities, a gap remains between legislative commitments and their practical implementation. The study identified several key barriers limiting the participation of persons with disabilities in the labour market, including physical, informational, digital, social, and institutional barriers.
The research highlighted that access to employment is closely linked with earlier stages of inclusion. Barriers in accessing education and professional training can limit opportunities to acquire skills, which in turn affects access to decent employment, economic independence, and full participation in community life.
As a development agency, UNDP has encountered challenges similar to those highlighted by Durnamo. UNDP launched a three-month paid internship programme aimed at strengthening young people's skills through placements in private companies. The programme targeted 200 young people aged 20–25 with at least a college degree, including 60 per cent young women and 5 per cent persons with disabilities. While the programme successfully met its overall participation targets, it was unable to reach the target for persons with disabilities despite extensive outreach through organisations of persons with disabilities, activists, and relevant networks.
A similar experience emerged under the Supporting Women in Law initiative. In 2024, UNDP, in partnership with the Union of Advocates, implemented three cohorts of an internship programme for young women lawyers, engaging 63 participants, including two young women with disabilities. The experience suggests that relatively few persons with disabilities reach university education in the first place, resulting in a limited pipeline of candidates for professional careers.Barotov noted that the adoption of the Law of the Republic of Tajikistan “On Ensuring the Rights and Social Protection of Persons with Disabilities” in 2026 represents an important step forward by establishing principles of equality of opportunity, non-discrimination, accessibility, respect for dignity, and social inclusion. The law also recognises the right of persons with disabilities to work, provides state employment guarantees, and introduces employment quotas requiring employers to allocate at least 3 percent of jobs for persons with disabilities.
Opening session speakers highlight the importance of equal opportunities and inclusive employment for persons with disabilities.
UNDP Tajikistan/ Nigora Fazliddin
However, the research stressed that legislation alone is not sufficient to create an inclusive labour market. Practical implementation measures are needed, including reasonable workplace accommodation, accessible employment services, awareness-raising among employers, development of inclusive vocational training programmes, adaptation of digital services, and strengthening the capacity of professionals working with persons with disabilities.
Speaking at the forum, Asadullo Zikrikhudoev, Chairman of the National Union of Persons with Disabilities of Tajikistan, raised an important policy issue related to public employment. He proposed reviewing the current provisions of the Law of the Republic of Tajikistan “On Public Service”, which restrict employment in public service for persons receiving pensions. As many persons with disabilities receive disability pensions, this provision can create an additional barrier preventing them from accessing public sector employment and fully contributing their skills and experience.
The Inclusive Employment Forum was organised by the National Union of Persons with Disabilities of Tajikistan in partnership with the United Nations, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of Tajikistan, the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham), and other partners. The forum brought together representatives of government institutions, civil society organisations, businesses, development partners, and persons with disabilities to discuss practical pathways towards building a more inclusive labour market.
The discussions continued through panel sessions focused on real-life experiences of inclusive employment. Persons with disabilities shared inspiring stories of professional achievements and successful careers in diverse areas, including art, poetry, digital platforms, education, and other fields. Their stories demonstrated that when barriers are removed and equal opportunities are provided, persons with disabilities can make meaningful contributions to economic, social, and cultural development.
The forum reaffirmed that inclusive employment is not only a matter of social protection, but also a question of equal rights, economic empowerment, and sustainable development. Advancing accessibility, removing institutional barriers, and ensuring meaningful participation of persons with disabilities remain essential steps towards creating a labour market where everyone can contribute and thrive.
By Nigora Fazliddin, Communication Analyst