EDF's work in Central Asia
The European Union (EU) is the world’s largest aid donor. It funds and implements projects worldwide where persons with disabilities should be included. EDF holds the EU accountable and ensures organisations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) are consulted in EU policy and programming. We want to facilitate the liaison between OPDs, human rights dialogues and EU Delegations staff to ensure persons with disabilities are engaged in EU work towards different regions of the world.
EDF, the EU and Central Asia
A number of programmes and activities are organised between Central Asia and the EU. EDF keeps a close eye on the Human Rights Dialogues, which are organised by the EU in partner countries. These dialogues are a key vehicle for the implementation of the EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy.
The EU Action Plan is important for EDF as it is inclusive of the CRPD and persons with disabilities. We are therefore encouraging organisations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) to take part in these Human Rights Dialogues and influence the EU to implement the CRPD in its work in humanitarian action and international cooperation.
For example, in December 2023, EDF collaborated with experts in the region ahead of the annual Human Rights Dialogue between the European Union and Tajikistan. We actively participated by submitting written input to the European External Action Service (EEAS) on the situation of persons with disabilities in the country.