HRW calls on IPC to recognize shortcomings in organization of Paralympic Games in Sochi

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) should speak publicly about the shortcomings of the Paralympic Games in Sochi and the problem of creating a barrier-free environment in the city, taking into account the situation as seen by independent observers. This was reported by the international human rights organization "Human Rights Watch" (HRW).

According to the HRW, despite the great progress on the creation of the barrier-free environment in Sochi, people with disabilities, both guests of the city and athletes, have complained about a number of infrastructural barriers. In particular, according to the HRW, persons with disabilities are still not able to move along the Olympic Park without someone's assistance.

"Russia is a shining example of why the IPC should focus on human rights issues at all stages of preparation and holding the Paralympic Games," declares the today's statement published on the website of the human rights organization.

In particular, the HRW calls on the IPC to declare that, when deciding whether to grant the right to host the Paralympic Games, it will take into account the readiness of the candidate cities "to respect fundamental human rights and to create a barrier-free environment."