Enhancing the Disability Assessment Framework in Serbia for Greater Inclusion

Developed through an inclusive consultative process, the Roadmap brings together insights from government institutions, organisations of persons with disabilities, and both domestic and international experts. It identifies key steps to enhance the efficiency and fairness of disability assessments, focusing on capacity building for professionals, strengthening data collection mechanisms, and shifting toward a more holistic, social understanding of disability. Additionally, it highlights the importance of gender equality and includes a detailed analysis of challenges faced by women and children with disabilities.

As part of the initiative, UNDP organised training sessions for members of disability assessment commissions from the Pension and Disability Insurance Fund, the National Employment Service, and occupational medicine institutions. These sessions aimed to reinforce the implementation of CRPD principles and the Roadmap’s recommendations in everyday practice.

The reform process is being implemented in partnership with Serbia’s key national institutions, including the Ministry of Labour, Employment, Veteran and Social Policy, and leading organisations representing persons with disabilities such as NOOIS, the Youth with Disabilities Forum, and “Naša kuća.” The initiative forms part of the broader project “Strengthening Rights, Equality, and Inclusive Actions,” jointly carried out by UN Women, UNFPA, and UNDP, with financial backing from the Global Disability Fund (GDF).