Public Statement on the Results of the Online Social Survey on Persons with Disabilities Conducted within the Framework of the Ombudsman’s Independent Monitoring Mechanism

The online social survey launched through official website for the first time by the Ombudsman in a capacity of an independent monitoring mechanism for monitoring and promotion of the implementation of the UN CRPD has concluded.  

The survey findings show the information about sex, place of residence, cause of disability, education, employment, civil status, housing conditions, incidents of discrimination, opinion of national disability policy, the areas where the rights are mostly violated and the bodies mostly addressed. Furthermore, the survey, which covered various range of questions facilitates discovering the needs and challenges faced by persons with disabilities more clearly. 

With a view to assessing the national implementation of commitments under the relevant Convention, and achieving equal and decent life for people with disabilities, and determining future activity directions, the information collected by the members of the Ombudsman’s independent monitoring group, is important for creating database and forming evidence-based policy.   

The suggestions section of the survey indicates the major issues raised by the persons with disabilities, including challenges of finding a job, problems in provision of housing, dissatisfactions with regard to disability assignment and status re-determination, cases of refusal to grant a disability certificate, low financial security, increase in benefits and granting additional incentives, especially the issue of accessibility of public infrastructure, and transportation, especially in towns and villages, barriers to access to banking services, shortcomings in online services, current situation of supply with rehabilitation resources, State-funded provision of medicines for certain diseases and so on.

We would like to inform you that a summary is being made regarding the problems raised by respondents in the suggestions section, and based on the analysis, relevant recommendations will be prepared and included into the Ombudsman's annual reports.  

Furthermore, letters have been addressed to corresponding agencies regarding issues of particular relevance. It is also planned to organize meetings with responsible authorities to discuss these issues.

In conclusion, we express our gratitude to everyone who participated in this survey and shared their opinions, and we reaffirm our ongoing support for initiatives that foster an inclusive society.