Deputy Speaker of the Federation Council speaks at meeting of IPU Standing Committee on Democracy and Human Rights.
Deputy Speaker of the Federation Council Inna Svyatenko took part in the IPU Standing Committee on Democracy and Human Rights debate on a forthcoming resolution, “Inclusive social development for all: Parliamentary strategies to promote the rights and empowerment of people living with disabilities.” The event was held in Istanbul as part of the 152nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union.
According to the Deputy Speaker, inclusion is increasingly gaining support from international organisations such as the UN and UNICEF. “It is being given a central place in international declarations, national legislation, and education policies. In 2012, Russia ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and committed itself to ensuring the full and equal enjoyment of their rights,” Inna Svyatenko emphasised.
She noted that inclusive social development in Russia takes many forms – from legislation and the rollout of inclusive education to social support measures for people with disabilities, including children.
“Our country is building a system in which people with disabilities and special needs become active participants in all areas of life – from healthcare to professional activities, and from cultural to educational initiatives,” said Inna Svyatenko. She spoke about the implementation of the Accessible Environment programme and ongoing work on rehabilitation, recreation and health improvement for people with disabilities, as well as their professional fulfilment.
Inna Svyatenko paid particular attention to the employment of people with disabilities. “Mentoring has been introduced to help people with disabilities successfully master a profession. Employers provide them with specially equipped workplaces. In turn, the state offers benefits and subsidies to companies that hire people with disabilities.”
The Deputy Speaker also touched on the development of the Paralympic movement and adaptive sports.
Turning to support for children with disabilities, Inna Svyatenko highlighted the successful activities of the Circle of Kindness Foundation that supports children with life-threatening and chronic diseases. “More than 28,000 children are receiving help through the foundation, and the list of severe and rare diseases is regularly expanded, as is the range of medicines, medical devices and technical rehabilitation equipment available to children with disabilities,” she said. The Deputy Speaker added that special attention is paid to organising inclusive vacation programmes, as this format helps such children adapt socially.
Inna Svyatenko expressed confidence that international cooperation, together with improvements to national legislation, will help optimise existing legal protection mechanisms for people with disabilities and develop new methods of social support.