More than 50 bus drivers and conductors participated in the discussion dedicated to the role of bus drivers in advancing the rights of persons with disabilities that took place in Tashkent bus depot # 8.

Prof. Akmal Saidov, the Director of the NHRC, reminded that Uzbekistan ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2021 and submitted its first report to the respective UN Committee in 2023. He called upon the audience to use a human-rights based approach to disability rather than treating persons with disability with charity sentiments. “It is important to introduce effective mechanisms for inclusive development, to ensure that all layers of the population have equal rights and opportunities, and to create the necessary conditions for the participation of persons with disabilities in all spheres of public life”, he added.

Pavlo Byalyk, OHCHR Human Rights Officer, outlined the link between public transportation and realization of human rights. He noted that full realization of the rights of persons with disabilities does not depend solely on state officials from ministries and state agencies. “You as bus drivers can help persons with disabilities realize their rights to education, employment, health and many others by bringing them to school, workplace and hospital on time and demonstrating supportive and respectful attitude and actions”.

Madina Polatova and Nargiza Kodirova, both persons in wheelchairs, came to participate in the briefing in line with the principle “Nothing for us, without us”. 

They made a presentation and led a practical part of the briefing by demonstrating the issues they experience when travelling by bus. 

Madina, who is also a graduate of the OHCHR human rights and advocacy school for youth with disabilities, remarked that “Most modern buses have ramps but sometimes bus drivers do not lower them for me to enter the bus. This makes me miss my appointment or meeting and leaves me with a very unpleasant feeling of being ignored and neglected”. 

Mr Ilhomjon Abdugafarov, Deputy Minister of Transportation noted the importance of this initiative and the need to integrate a component on the rights of persons with disabilities into regular pre-service and in-service training.

Similar briefings should take place for other cohorts of bus drivers later this year.

United Nations in Uzbekistan