Following the signing of the UN Convention by Belarus President in 2015, this year October 3 marks a great step forward - its ratification by the Belarusian parliament.

The Convention represents an international document aimed at promoting the participation of disabled people in the civil, political, economic, social and cultural spheres, preventing discrimination and creating effective legal mechanisms to ensure these rights.
“Congratulations to all who helped make this happen over the years. Let us now work together to make inclusion a reality for all those with disabilities, no matter which type of disability. Development and growth that leaves behind some are neither sustainable nor morally acceptable’', said UN Resident Coordinator in Belarus Sanaka Samarasinha. 

Labor and Social Security Deputy Minister Alexander Rumak said in a conversation with the journalists that the national plan for the implementation of the Convention is already being developed in the country. It is expected to be ready by the end of the year. The Convention stipulates a comprehensive approach to providing a barrier-free environment for people with disabilities. In particular, the concept of 'universal design' in the construction of buildings and infrastructure will be further specified.

One of the important innovations is that as part of the implementation of the Convention it is proposed to strengthen the responsibility of project designers and developers for non-compliance with the requirements for providing a barrier-free environment.

The problem of disability is of top priority for the whole world community. With over half a million persons with disabilities living in Belarus, the social protection of this most disadvantaged population group is one of the priorities of the national public policy. In the process of improving relevant laws and ensuring a full and equal realization by persons with disabilities of all human rights it is important to benefit from the positive international experience reflected in the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disability signed by the President of Belarus on September 28, 2015.