On March 16, 2020, the Parliament of Georgia plans to discuss the most important legislative initiative related to persons with disabilities. The Law “on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities” and the accompanying legislative package were initiated by the Government of Georgia.

Due to the importance and relevance of the issue and to prevent making any erroneous decision it is vital to ensure the involvement of the persons with disabilities, the parents of children with disabilities and organizations working on their rights in the examination process of the Draft Law. At the same time, we note that according to the direct recommendations of the World Health Organization and the Georgian National Center for Disease Control the community of persons with disabilities needs a maximum protection due to the increased risk of coronavirus infection. Consequently, their physical participation in the discussion of the Draft Law, on the one hand, poses a great threat to their health, and, on the other hand, working on the disability-related Draft Law without the involvement of the disability community is meaningless and fully contradicts the CRPD.

We would also like to point out that commencement of the work on the Draft Law in such an accelerated manner and practically restricting the disability community from taking part in the discussion process raises questions. It is noteworthy that before the parliamentary hearings of the draft amendments, a working meeting was planned with the involvement of the community of persons with disabilities and organizations working on their rights. The meetings were called off twice to prevent the possible spread of the Coronavirus. Namely, the working meetings in Borjomi and then in Tbilisi were cancelled. That is why it is completely unclear what purpose it serves to discuss the Draft Law related to our problems without our involvement.

We call on the Prime Minister of Georgia, the Chairman of the Parliament and the Minister of Justice: Given the dangerous situation in Georgia, when the country faces significant challenges and there are many questions in the community, we consider it appropriate to postpone tomorrow's hearing and return to the working process only after the World Health Organization and the National Center for Disease Control issue recommendation that the alarming period is over. Do not put us in a hopeless situation and do not pose a direct threat to one of our most vulnerable and at-risk citizens.

Leading non-governmental organizations of the country are also joining the statement on postponing the discussion on the legislative amendments before securing the participation of the disability community:

• Coalition “Movement for Change”;
• Georgian Young Lawyers Association (GYLA)
• Human Rights Education and Monitoring Center (EMC)
• Platform for New Opportunities (PNO);
• Partnership for Social Welfare;
• Partnership for Human Rights (PHR);
• Parents Information Center (PIC);
• Families Against Discrimination (FAD);
• Aures Foundation;
• Movement Accessible Environment for Everyone (MAEE);
• Georgian Down Syndrome Association.

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