"Survival Protests" in Almaty: Demonstration Fights for Disability Rights
Protest for Disability Rights in Almaty
people with disabilities rallied in Almaty's Gandhi Park on March 10 to champion their rights. Initially, around sixty participants joined, eventually swelling to a hundred. However, during the event, a disagreement arose between the "Kazakh Society of the Blind" and the demonstration's organizers, leading to some tensions, with one participant being taken away by police.
The rally, believed to be the first of its kind, continued for a few hours, allowing participants to express their demands. Ruslan Taiypov, one of the organizers, shared concerns regarding the insufficient minimum allowance of 35-37 thousand tenge for those with disabilities, questioning the minister of social protection's empathy towards their struggles.
Sovet Tolkynov, an Almaty resident with a first-category disability, expressed similar sentiments, asserting that the minister's salary was a million tenge, making the allowance an affront. Despite the tense atmosphere, representatives from the employment center were present but remained silent as the protesters focused on increasing allowances and advocating for free housing.
Murat Muratbekov, the head of the department of the committee on labor, social protection, and migration of Almaty, acknowledged the problems faced by people with disabilities and encouraged individuals to file complaints with the department. However, he noted that the department is currently unable to inspect businesses during the moratorium.
The demonstration's organizers petitioned the Ministry of Labor to prioritize increasing the allowance, demanding a raise of up to 41%, approximately 100,000 tenge, to cater to inflation and rising living costs. Activists also plan to organize a nationwide rally in the near future.
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- Context: Kazakhstan is making strides in human rights, including disability rights, although specific details about the Almaty disability rights rally and associated demands are scarce in the available search results.
- Challenges for People with Disabilities: People with disabilities in Kazakhstan face hurdles such as limited access to education and employment opportunities. The Abay region, for instance, has seen demands for unnecessary documentation for children with disabilities halted by the Prosecutor's Office.
- Government Response: The government has been attentive to human rights issues, hosting numerous receptions for citizens by the ombudsman. However, specific responses to disability rights rallies or demands for allowance increases remain undetailed. The emphasis on improving regional security and human rights indicates that disability rights may be part of broader initiatives rather than isolated events.
- The Kazakh government needs to prioritize the needs of people with disabilities in its policies.
- The Kazakh Society of the Blind expressed dissatisfaction with the organizer's decision during the disability rights rally in Almaty.
- Protesters with disabilities in Kazakhstan are demanding a significant increase in their minimum allowance to cater to inflation and rising living costs.
- The first national disability rights rally took place in Almaty's Gandhi Park on March 10, attracting over a hundred participants.
- The insufficient minimum allowance for people with disabilities in Kazakhstan was questioned by protest organizers and participants.
- Mental health, therapies, and treatments are crucial aspects of health and wellness for people with disabilities.
- The workplace-wellness industry should prioritize the accommodation of employees with chronic medical conditions such as chronic kidney disease, respiratory conditions, and digestive health issues.
- Eye-health, hearing, and skin-conditions are often overlooked but essential components of overall health for individuals with disabilities.
- Fashion and beauty industries should prioritize diversity and inclusion, ensuring that various disabilities are represented and catered to.
- The food and drink industry should consider the unique dietary needs of people with disabilities in their product offerings and marketing.
- Family dynamics can be significantly affected by the presence of disabilities, and education and self-development resources should address these challenges.
- Wealth management, personal finance, and banking and insurance services need to be accessible and tailored to people with disabilities.
- Home and garden products should be designed with accessibility in mind to accommodate individuals with disabilities.
- Businesses and careers in the technology sector should prioritize hiring individuals with disabilities and creating accessible digital platforms.
- The government needs to take a proactive approach to address the inequality faced by people with disabilities in terms of education, employment, and living standards.
- The education system should include curriculum on disability rights and inclusion to foster understanding and empathy among students.
- The Kazakh government should invest in scientific research to improve therapies and treatments for people with disabilities.
- The health and fitness industry should offer specialized services and equipment for individuals with disabilites, promoting fitness and exercise as essential components of overall health.
- Policy and legislation should prioritize the rights of people with disabilities, addressing discrimination in various sectors, such as education, employment, and healthcare.
- Social media platforms should enforce strict guidelines against ableism and promote a more inclusive online environment.
- Travel companies should offer accessible options for individuals with disabilities, ensuring that they can enjoy vacations and experiences just like everyone else.
- The care industry should provide personalized, high-quality support for people with disabilities, focusing on their individual needs and preferences.
- Personal growth and development can be impacted by disabilities, and resources should be made available to help individuals with disabilities achieve their personal goals.
- Lotteries, casinos, and gambling in general can be inaccessible for individuals with disabilities, and regulations should address this issue.
- The entertainment industry should create content that accurately represents and respects the experiences of people with disabilities.
- War and conflicts can disproportionately affect individuals with disabilities, and the international community should prioritize their protection and support.
- Career development opportunities should be made available for individuals with disabilities to help them achieve their professional goals.
- Relationships between individuals with disabilities and those without can be affected by societal attitudes and perceptions, and education and self-development resources should address these issues.
- Learning resources should be made accessible and inclusive for individuals with disabilities, ensuring that they have the same opportunities for education as their non-disabled peers.
- Big wins for people with disabilities include the passage of laws that protect their rights, increased accessibility in public spaces, and greater representation in various sectors.
