ODIHR and OSCE PA launch guidelines to strengthen participation of people with disabilities in parliaments

The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA) launched a new publication in Warsaw on 12 October 2026 to help parliaments identify and remove barriers to the full and effective participation of people with disabilities.

People with disabilities remain underrepresented in national parliaments across the OSCE region and continue to face barriers to participation. Addressing these barriers means examining how people can contribute to parliamentary work, influence legislation and hold governments to account, alongside ensuring access to parliamentary buildings and information.

“People with disabilities must be able to shape the laws and decisions that affect their lives. Parliaments need to examine their own rules and practices and work with people with disabilities to remove barriers to participation,” said Zaruhi Batoyan, Member of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia.

Guidelines on Advancing disability-inclusive parliaments: an assessment methodology and insights from the OSCE region draws on a joint ODIHR/OSCE PA survey conducted in 2024. It combines survey findings and examples of good practice with a methodology covering representation, law-making, oversight and access, helping parliaments identify priorities and take practical steps towards reform.

“Accessibility is part of everyday parliamentary work, from receiving information to taking part in debates and committee meetings. The test is whether people with disabilities can contribute on equal terms and have their voices reflected in decisions,” said Dastan Bekeshev, Member of the Jogorku Kenesh of the Kyrgyz Republic.

Parliamentarians and civil society representatives shared experiences from the OSCE region and discussed how the methodology can be applied in practice. The publication was launched at a side event organized by ODIHR and the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly during the 2026 Warsaw Human Dimension Conference.