In celebration of International Children Protection Day, a Marathon for Children with Disabilities was held on May 26, organized by the Ministry of Sports, the Office of the Child Ombudsperson, Special Olympics Uzbekistan, UNICEF, and retail giant Korzinka. The event aimed to advocate for quality inclusive services, equal opportunities, and combat stereotypes, and end discrimination against children with disabilities (CwD).
The Marathon, part of the Uzbekistan Children's Day festivities, ran under the theme "We are different. We are equal," and brought together children, United Nations staff, and development partners. The event highlighted the need for greater awareness and inclusivity for CwD in Uzbekistan.
Evidence indicates that the primary obstacle to the inclusion of CwD in Uzbekistan is the lack of awareness about their rights. This ignorance fosters a debilitating perception of people with disabilities, leading to widespread stigma and discrimination.
Commenting on the Marathon, Surayyo Rakhmonova, the Child Rights Ombudsperson, emphasized the importance of protecting the rights of CwD as outlined in international treaties such as the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
"This marathon is meant to demonstrate that children with disabilities have the same rights and deserve equal opportunities. Inclusion is necessary," said Rakhmonova. "Children with disabilities are not about charity; they are rights holders according to international treaties and constitutional guarantees. We are obliged to prioritize their rights."
A 2019 Situation Analysis on Persons with Disabilities in Uzbekistan revealed that only a small part of society regularly interacts with persons with disabilities, often from a place of pity. Furthermore, medical and charity-based understandings of disability remain prevalent within the government.
The Ministry of Sport, which organized the Marathon, underscored the role of sports in fostering development and inclusion.
"Sport is not only an instrument of physical health but also a powerful tool for education and personal development of children," said Sharifjon Mumindjanov, Advisor to the Minister of Sports. "Sport provides not only sporting skills but also the values of strength, determination, and team spirit needed to succeed in life."
Mobilized by the Special Olympics of Uzbekistan, 60 children with disabilities participated in the race.
"The benefits of sport for children with disabilities are clear," said Gulnara Saidova, CEO of Special Olympics of Uzbekistan. "We encourage all parents and caregivers to consider enrolling their children in sports programs to help them develop and make new friends."
A recent KAP Survey in Uzbekistan highlighted the challenges ahead: nearly 70% of respondents believed that specialized schools are best for educating children with disabilities, while only 13% supported their inclusion in regular schools. Moreover, only 1% associated respect with children with disabilities.
"Sport is a powerful tool for bringing children together; it inculcates a sense of belonging and can propel children to reach their full potential," said Geoffrey Ijumba, Acting Representative for UNICEF. "What we witnessed today at the run was beautiful. There was belonging and accomplishment, and the connections made on that simple track were profound."
The run, held at Eco-Park, saw the participation of 110 children, including 60 CwD. It served as a vital platform for joint advocacy to end stigma and discrimination against CwD and ensure inclusion, bringing together critical stakeholders, including development and private sector partners.
"As Korzinka, we are passionate about the inclusion of persons with disabilities. We know it is the collective responsibility of every sector," said Zafar Khashimov, Founder and Chairman of the Board of the Korzinka supermarket chain. "As the private sector, we support inclusion and say productive communities are inclusive communities."
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