Improving participation of persons with disabilities in political parties discussed at OSCE/ODIHR event in Tbilisi
Challenges and positive practices that could facilitate the participation of persons with disabilities in political parties were the focus of a meeting in Tbilisi on 25 March 2019.
The event was organized by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) in co-operation with the Coalition for Independent Living in Georgia, the Eastern European Centre for Multiparty Democracy (EECMD), the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), the International Republican Institute (IRI) and the National Democratic Institute (NDI).
“Everyone benefits from full and effective inclusion of persons with disabilities in political and public life,” said Anete Erdmane, Associate Democratic Governance Officer at ODIHR. “Political parties have a key role in ensuring that persons with disabilities can contribute to decision-making in their communities on an equal footing with others.”
More than 50 members of political parties, parliamentarians, politicians with disabilities, representatives of political party support organizations and disabled people’s organizations, and disability rights activists (25 men and 25 women) participated in the event.
"Persons with disabilities may be some of the most motivated voters in Georgia as the country's social and economic development has an instant and direct influence on their ability to enjoy life,” said Giorgi Dzneladze, the Chairperson of the Coalition for Independent Living. “The level of their participation is an indicator of democracy in any country. And let us not forget that they constitute almost one-fourth of Georgia's electorate.”
The discussion focused on raising awareness about the under-representation of persons with disabilities in political life, including different political party structures. The participants noted the benefits of more inclusive political parties and shared their views on possible steps for improvement, in line with the relevant OSCE commitments and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
The side event was organized as part of the ODIHR project “Our Right to Participate – Promoting the Participation of Persons with Disabilities in Political and Public Life.”