"Barrier-free accessibility is an urgent need for millions of Ukrainians today. For people of different ages, professions, and social backgrounds. We especially focus on the needs of our defenders. It is our duty to remove all obstacles that hinder their adaptation, rehabilitation and self-realisation," said the Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal.
He also noted that cooperation with local governments is being strengthened: "After all, the final result depends on them."
"Just like three years ago, when we started talking about the availability of services and opportunities in the country, I emphasise that barrier-free accessibility is not about someone else. It is always about all of us, the people of the country. Everyone needs decent living conditions. Especially during the defensive war, which we bear as an additional burden every day. That is why we expect more accessibility, solutions and security from 2024," stressed First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska.
"One of the top priorities of the state, especially in the context of a full-scale invasion, is to ensure the social rights of people with disabilities," the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine stressed.
"We must jointly change approaches to urban planning, education, medical care, rehabilitation and employment – and these approaches must be based on European standards," he said.
In addition, Ruslan Stefanchuk stressed that, together with the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine is ready to develop and support draft laws related to the formation of principles and norms of accessibility. For example, the Parliament of Ukraine is currently preparing draft laws on the employment of specialists with disabilities and on adult education for the second reading: "They are defined as European integration bills, and therefore have a priority character."
In his speech, the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine stressed that the implementation of the principles of inclusiveness should be taken into account not only at the level of rule-making, but also at the level of implementation of laws.
"Together, we will make Ukraine a country without barriers, with equal access to all spheres of life for every Ukrainian," the Speaker of the Parliament of Ukraine concluded.