Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- Awareness of drivers and conductors of public transport about the rights and needs of persons with disabilities was the topic of an information session organized on 19 April by the National Center of the Republic of Uzbekistan for Human Rights together with partners.

The information was carried out jointly with the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Toshshahartranshizmat Joint Stock Company with the support of the Regional Office of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights for Central Asia.

More than 50 people took part in the meeting, including drivers and conductors of Tashkent buses, as well as representatives of organizers and civil society institutions.

The information session aims to provide training and skills development to promote the rights of persons with disabilities to free movement and access to public services, facilitating their full participation in public life.

At the beginning of the meeting, the participants were addressed by the First Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Director of the National Center for Human Rights Akmal Saidov, Deputy Minister of Transport of the Republic of Uzbekistan Ilkhomjon Abdugafarov, Deputy Chairman of the Board for Coordination of Passenger Transportation and Optimization of Route Networks of Toshshahartranskhizmat JSC Nazhmiddin Davlatov , Advisor to the Regional Office of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights for Central Asia Pavlo Bialyk.

It was noted that Uzbekistan, having ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2021, is taking consistent measures to improve the system of fulfilling its international obligations in the field of ensuring the rights of persons with disabilities, including through the implementation of the principle of “barrier-free environment.”

The discussion focused on improving the physical accessibility of transportation and infrastructure, including the provision of ramps, lifts and other adaptive technologies to facilitate the use of public transport by persons with disabilities. Innovative entry and exit automation systems were reviewed, which allow people in wheelchairs to independently use public transport without assistance.

Experts shared several best practices and success stories from various countries, demonstrating advanced solutions in the field of accessibility of transport infrastructure, with a focus on international accessibility standards and how to adapt them to national conditions.

The discussion was, in particular, about creating a barrier-free space, starting from the design stage of transport hubs and means of transportation. Experts emphasized the importance of integrating accessible solutions such as ramps, wide doorways, and specialized lifts into all new projects.

The use of modern technologies, including electronic information systems with voice alerts and tactile information, which facilitate independent orientation of persons with disabilities in space, was also discussed.

The importance of legislative support for ensuring and maintaining accessibility is noted, including the active role of government agencies in creating and complying with relevant norms and standards.

Support was expressed for initiatives aimed at training service personnel so that they can competently and respectfully assist persons with disabilities, taking into account their unique needs. This includes regular training on non-discrimination and assistance when getting on and off vehicles, and in situations where special support or assistance is required.

Following the discussion, it was agreed that achieving these goals requires the cooperation of all stakeholders, including government agencies, the private sector and non-governmental organizations.

The seminar emphasized the importance of international and intersectoral cooperation in creating a barrier-free environment. A responsible attitude to the implementation of the measures and recommendations discussed will be the key to a successful movement towards a more inclusive and accessible society for all its members.

The seminar participants expressed their readiness for further dialogue and practical implementation of the acquired knowledge within the framework of their professional responsibilities and competencies.