Annual Report on Disability Rights in Kyiv

The Kyiv City Council has approved the annual report of the Commissioner for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities regarding the protection of their rights in 2023. The document provides an analysis of the situation in the capital, including responses to rights violations, organization of events for the protection of disability rights, and recommendations for improving urban infrastructure and social protection.

As noted by the Commissioner for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Lesya Petrivska, over 1,400 appeals were received last year, indicating violations of disability rights in medical, educational, social, housing, and other critical areas.

«Among the key challenges are ensuring the accessibility of medical services, public spaces, educational institutions, and transport infrastructure. Despite positive developments, such as the establishment of barrier-free routes to essential social facilities and the installation of traffic lights with sound signals, persons with disabilities still face numerous difficulties. Effective cooperation between local authorities and NGOs is essential for progress in this area. We continuously work with residents on new initiatives and ensuring the rights of persons with disabilities at all levels, from transport to digital services», emphasized Lesya Petrivska.

The Commissioner informed that the report includes practical recommendations for enhancing the urban environment, including equipping multi-apartment buildings with accessibility features, improving parking facilities, increasing access to electronic services, and training civil servants on how to communicate with persons with disabilities.

«The approved measures are concrete steps towards creating a barrier-free environment in Kyiv. We must also raise public awareness about the issues faced by people with disabilities, as respecting their rights is not just a legal obligation but a moral imperative», added Lesya Petrivska.