Visually Impaired Citizens' Rights Violated Due to Lack of Tactile Guide Paths
In a series of recent cases brought before the Human Rights and Equality Institution of Türkiye (HREIT) by visually impaired citizens, the most common violation identified was the absence of "tactile guide paths," essential for aiding in transportation and navigation.
Discrimination Claims Lead to Violation Decisions
Between 2022 and 2024, a total of 13 applications were submitted to the HREIT, alleging discrimination against visually impaired individuals, resulting in the issuance of violation decisions.
Importance of Tactile Guide Paths for Accessibility
The recurring issue highlighted in these decisions was the crucial need for tactile guide paths, which play a vital role in enabling visually impaired individuals to move around public spaces independently and securely.
Emphasis on Equal Treatment and Accessibility
The rulings by HREIT underscore the fundamental principle of equality before the law, as enshrined in Article 10 of the Constitution, emphasizing the importance of fair treatment for all individuals.
Legal Obligations for Ensuring Accessibility
Furthermore, the decisions underscore the legal obligations of public institutions to take proactive measures to address discrimination, prevent its reoccurrence, and uphold laws mandating accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
Ensuring Accessible Public Spaces
Specifically, the rulings stress the necessity for public spaces to be easily accessible to individuals with disabilities, ensuring seamless movement without encountering barriers, in alignment with both national and international accessibility standards.
Creating Inclusive Urban Environments
The decisions call for urban environments to be designed in a way that accommodates the needs of individuals with disabilities, requiring public buildings, streets, sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, open spaces, and other social infrastructure to adhere to accessibility guidelines.
