Cheng Kai, chairman of the China Disabled Persons' Federation, briefs a delegation from Uzbekistan's National Agency for Social Protection about the Rehabilitation University in Beijing on May 7. [Photo/cdpf.org.cn]
On May 7, Cheng Kai, chairman of the China Disabled Persons' Federation (CDPF), met with a delegation from Uzbekistan's National Agency for Social Protection, led by its director Mansurbek Olloyorov, at the CDPF headquarters in Beijing.
Cheng extended a warm welcome to the delegation and provided an overview of China's progress in the field of disability affairs.
He highlighted China's commitment to putting the people first and its significant emphasis on the development of people with disabilities.
China has established a legal framework for safeguarding the rights and interests of people with disabilities, based on the Constitution and the Disabled Persons' Protection Law, Cheng said, adding that the implementation of the law on construction of a barrier-free environment in 2023 further enhanced the legal protection of the group.
China has also prioritized integrated education, facilitating the enrollment of children with disabilities in regular schools and providing accessible services for disabled students during their college entrance examination, according to Cheng. Over 30,000 disabled students are admitted to higher education institutions annually, he added.
Efforts have been ongoing to improve employment policies for disabled individuals, particularly focusing on those facing employment difficulties, living in rural areas, and studying in higher education institutions, Cheng said, adding that China also provides targeted rehabilitation services for people with disabilities and enriches their life with cultural and sports activities.
Cheng Kai said that under the strategic guidance of the heads of China and Uzbekistan, the two countries have developed into all-weather comprehensive strategic partners in the new era. The CDPF is willing to take this meeting as an opportunity to strengthen cooperation with Uzbekistan's National Agency for Social Protection, deepen exchanges and cooperation in various fields of disability affairs under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, and jointly promote the high-quality development of the sector in both countries, he said.
Olloyorov spoke highly of China's achievements in disability affairs and expressed interest in China's construction of the Rehabilitation University. He said that Uzbekistan looks forward to further enhancing cooperation with the CDPF, particularly in the areas of rehabilitation talent training, barrier-free environment construction, and the development and production of assistive devices.
Uzbekistan's National Agency for Social Protection was established on June 1, 2023, with responsibilities including social security, the protection of people with disabilities, child protection, women's protection, assistance to disadvantaged families, and elderly care, among others.