Tajikistan updates legislation on rights of people with disabilities
Tajikistan has updated its legislation on the rights of people with disabilities
23.06.2026
Article published on the asiaplus website
Tajik senators have passed a new law “On Ensuring the Rights and Social Protection of People with Disabilities”. The legislation, tabled by the Government, was discussed and adopted at a session of the upper house of the country’s parliament (Majlisi Milli).
During the session, Mukhiddin Nariddin, Deputy Chair of the Majlisi Milli Committee on Social Affairs, Health Care, Science, Education, Culture and Youth and Women Policy, explained how the law sets out the legal, economic, social and organisational basis for protecting the rights of disabled people.
He added that the legislation would create more opportunities for this social group, enable them to participate in public life, receive support and achieve social integration.
The law outlines the powers of the Government, the authorised State body for social protection, as well as highlighting the guiding principles of State policy in this area.
The legislation regulates issues related to healthcare, habilitation and rehabilitation. This means providing support for disabled people: some will be taught skills to help them live more independently, while others will be helped to regain abilities lost following illness or injury.
Furthermore, the law addresses legal safeguards, employment issues and benefits for disabled people, and specifically highlights measures to help prevent disabilities and reduce the risks of them developing.
The law on the social protection of disabled people that came into force in 2010 was largely based on medical and social disability models, and principally aimed at providing social payments, benefits and services. This new legislation, which is due to be signed by the country’s President, then later officially published, is intended to modernise existing approaches to these issues. It also promotes the rights of people with disabilities, as well as providing equal opportunities, inclusion and their full participation in society.
Previously when the bill was being discussed in parliament, it was reported that 60%-65% of its provisions were new
The main goal is to bring the Tajik law into line with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
A ban on discrimination
One of the key provisions of the law is a ban on discrimination based on disability, which has remained a serious problem in society for many years.
The State is now obliged to take measures to eliminate discrimination, to develop special programmes and identify and investigate cases of discrimination, exploitation, violence and humiliation against disabled people. It is also required to prevent discrimination in areas such as marriage, family, motherhood, fatherhood and personal relationships.
The existence of such problems has been publicly acknowledged on numerous occasions. In particular, Tajikistan’s Human Rights Commissioner made reference to them at a press conference in February, as well as giving specific examples.
The right to education and employment
One of the most important aspects of the new legislation is the right to education. The education system must ensure inclusive education for disabled people at all levels, as well as in further education programmes.
The new legislation also states that residential and secondary schools, colleges and specialist vocational institutions will be established for those disabled people who require special education and care provisions. Kindergartens will be able to provide the necessary rehab support.
Under the new law, all State and civil society organisations and businesses in Tajikistan will be required to allocate 3% of their jobs to people with disabilities.
