On December 19, 2024, an information and consultation meeting was held on the topic: “Specifics of protecting the rights of women and girls with disabilities who have been subjected to violence”, conducted by the NGO “Kyrgyz Association of Women Judges” together with the Agency of Social Technologies within the project “InKoom – to promote fair and inclusive society in Kyrgyzstan” with the financial support of the European Union.

The meeting with experts provided information on the protection and defense of the rights of women with disabilities, which aims to contribute to the reduction of gender-based violence. The information and consultation meeting was designed for the professional community of lawyers, prosecutors, internal affairs, local government, municipal officials, social workers, and human rights organizations involved in the protection of the rights of women with disabilities.

At the consultation meeting, the participants discussed in detail the issues related to the identification of abused women and girls with disabilities, as well as the primary measures to be taken when they are identified. Actions of actors responsible for protection from family violence and their duties in such situations were discussed. Based on the normative documents of the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic, the participants analyzed the order of interaction of state bodies involved in the protection and defense of victims of family violence. Special attention was paid to the authorized bodies that coordinate the activities of all participants of this system.

The specificities of dealing with cases in which women and girls with disabilities are victims were also raised. The need to provide reasonable accommodations for such persons was emphasized. Participants were reminded that it is important to take into account the specific needs of this category, both during initial assistance and identification, and at subsequent stages of interaction, including law enforcement and court proceedings.

As examples of reasonable accommodations, sign language interpreter services, provision of a qualified lawyer, which is stipulated by the legislation, and other forms of support were mentioned. Algorithms of actions of each body interacting with victims were also provided, which aroused great interest and questions from the participants.