Since December 2010, with the financial support of EU three local NGOs – Association Dea, GYLA and the Human Rights and the 21st Century have been implementing a project for protection of rights of persons with disabilities. Project duration is 15 months and the project activities are carried out in Tbilisi and Zugdidi. The project aims at improvements in livelihood of persons with disabilities and in processes of their integration. To this end, the project focuses on positively influencing public policy and public opinion. Expected outcomes in particular include:
- Updating and effectively implementing the Government Action Plan for Social Integration of Persons with Disabilities 2010-2012, in order to ensure that needs of persons with disabilities are met adequately
- Georgia’s ratification of the UN Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)
- Raising public awareness about issues related to persons with disabilities and helping form a healthy attitude towards them
Project beneficiaries include persons with disabilities and their families. Project target groups include public agencies, including politicians and relevant policy makers, national and regional media and public.
Key future activities under the project auspices include:
- Research relevant international laws and practice
- Monitor governmental action plan with participation of persons with disabilities
- Training for MPs
- Roundtable
- TV campaign for raising awareness
- Moot court for promoting rights of persons with disabilities
- Film festival in Tbilisi and Zugdidi
- Trainings for school administrations, teachers, students (including persons with disabilities), their parents and journalists
- Campaign for raising awareness in print media
- Publishing a brochure on rights of the persons with disabilities
- Public meetings and discussions
- Final presentation
GYLA in involved in the project as a partner organization, with the main obligation of providing legal support.
