President of Uzbekistan signed amendments to the law “On the rights of persons with disabilities” on 5 September.
The updated law mandates that the state ensures equal access to justice for persons with disabilities on an equal basis as others. This includes taking measures to guarantee their direct or indirect participation at all stages of the judicial process, as well as investigations and pre-trial stages.
The amendments also ensure that persons with disabilities, either directly or through their representatives, can participate in the social and political life of the country, including the right to vote, be elected, and participate in referendums.
The state takes obligation to create necessary conditions for voting for all categories of persons with disabilities. This includes making accommodations at polling stations for individuals with hearing and visual impairments, as well as those who use wheelchairs.
Previously, such provisions were absent, Ministry of Justice noted.
The law now includes provisions defining the forms of communication that can be used to interact with persons with disabilities and outlines the requirements for adapting social infrastructure to ensure unhindered access.
