Republican Association of Wheelchair Users" ("RAIK") marks its 25th anniversary

The UN Resident Coordinator in Belarus, on behalf of all UN agencies, funds and programs working in Belarus, congratulated activists, instructors, volunteers and leadership of regional organisations of the public association "Republican Association of Wheelchair Users" ("RAIK") on the occasion of its 25th anniversary.

In her welcoming speech, Joanna Kazana-Wisniowiecki noted the importance of joint efforts with government institutions and all partners in providing assistance to people with disabilities with a focus on the issues of inclusion, barrier-free environment, access to services, the specifics of the issues of women with disabilities and integration of children on wheelchairs in schools. She highlighted the commitment of the country to the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, ratified by the Republic of Belarus in 2016, and confirmed readiness of the UN to work on new joint innovative and ambitious projects.

The contribution of RAIK to the system of social support and rehabilitation of people with disabilities in Belarus was highly appreciated by the leadership of the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, the Minsk City Executive Committee, the Paralympic Committee, the Republican Olympic Training Center for Paralympic and Deaflympic sports, the public association "Belarusian Society of the Disabled", the Republican Unitary Enterprise  "Belarusian Prosthetic and Orthopedic Rehabilitation Center" and other partners.  It is noteworthy that all members of RAIK, according to its Charter, are the wheelchair users.