The Right to Social Protection of Persons with Disabilities According to International Standards

Abstract

The relevance of the subject under study is determined by the socio-economic state of the country and the long-term armed conflict in the Donbas, in particular, as a result of which thousands of people were injured and disabled. Insufficient funding for the healthcare system, lack of rehabilitation programmes for persons with disabilities, lack of housing and appropriate equipment for the movement and full functioning of the life of persons with disabilities in Ukraine lead to the fact that such people are discriminated against in society. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the right to social protection of persons with disabilities in the context of compliance with international standards. Based on the monitoring study, available rehabilitation programmes, theoretical material, legislative analysis, and reports of international organisations, the authors came to relevant conclusions and made recommendations for the authorities, namely relevant ministries. The study discovered that the attitude towards people with disabilities is being transformed in the world, and their rights to a full-fledged, high-quality, non-discriminatory life in society are being consolidated. The need to reform national legislation and bring it in line with international standards was confirmed. It is proved that the main standards relate to the accessibility and adequacy of the right to social protection. The main elements of accessibility and adequacy of the right to social protection are highlighted. Key international regulations in the field of protection of the rights of persons with disabilities are analysed. The study investigated the term “discrimination for persons with disabilities”. It was established that the integration of persons with disabilities is possible if the problems with focusing attention on the category of persons with disabilities due to war are thoroughly studied. The practical value of this paper is to provide recommendations for relevant ministries, considering the monitoring study conducted by the authors in 2019-2020, which will contribute to improving the right to social protection as such.