From Charity To Justice: The Legal And Institutional Transformation Of Disability Rights In Uzbekistan Within The Framework Of International Human Rights Law
Abstract
The protection of the rights of persons with disabilities has evolved from a marginal social concern to a central pillar of human rights law. This article examines the philosophical, historical, and legal evolution of disability rights, situating Uzbekistan’s experience within global normative and institutional contexts. Drawing upon international legal instruments such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD, 2006), the study demonstrates how disability has transitioned from a medical and charitable concept to a rights-based paradigm grounded in equality, dignity, and inclusion. Uzbekistan’s ratification of the CRPD and adoption of the Law “On the Rights of Persons with Disabilities” (2020) signify a doctrinal and institutional shift toward a human rights based model of governance. Through comparative and normative legal analysis, the article explores the interrelation between constitutional guarantees, civil and labor law reforms, and the development of enforcement mechanisms such as prosecutorial oversight and the National Council on Disability Rights. The findings highlight that while Uzbekistan’s legal framework aligns closely with international standards, the full realization of disability rights requires deeper institutional coordination, awareness-raising, and the internalization of inclusion as an ethical and administrative value. Ultimately, the study argues that the transformation of disability law in Uzbekistan reflects a broader philosophical shift from charity to justice, exemplifying the universalization of human dignity as a legal and constitutional principle.