A/HRC/23/34/Add.1 violence, rather than to protect belief systems, religions or institutions from criticism. 31 In addition, only serious and extreme instances of incitement to hatred should be criminalized. 84. The Special Rapporteur believes that applying provisions 213 and 282 of the Criminal code in the case of curators, artists and art activists is disproportionate. She is also concerned that article 282 is related to anti-extremist legislation, the vagueness of which has already been criticized by the Human Rights Committee. 32 2. Discussing drug issues through science and art 85. During her visit, the Special Rapporteur heard allegations that the Government prohibited access to artistic works and scientific studies that it deemed tantamount to drug propaganda, and prevented any discussion of the issue. 86. The Special Rapporteur welcomed the assurances given by the Government that products amounting to drug propaganda could only be confiscated following a court decision. She notes, however, that concern was expressed by interlocutors that publishers and bookstores, afraid of facing possible sanctions, refrain from releasing literary or scientific publications addressing drug-related issues. C. Situation of specific categories of the population 1. Persons with disabilities 87. The Special Rapporteur welcomes the greater attention paid to the rights of persons with disabilities and the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in September 2012. She appreciates the adoption of an “accessible environment” programme, requiring that all sports and entertainment institutions be equipped for access by persons with disabilities, and an “inclusive education” programme, aimed at integrating children with disabilities into the mainstream education system. 88. Numerous programmes are supported by the Government, such as the Mimic and Gesture Theatre in Moscow, which is open to the public at large, stars deaf people and functions as a centre for many intellectuals as well as artists with disabilities. Unfortunately, the theatre, unique in the Federation, is in dire financial straits. 89. The Special Rapporteur commends the Altai Krai authorities for their efforts in this area, including the pedagogical lyceum for children with disabilities in Barnaul. 90. There is an urgent need to involve persons with disabilities in all policy formulation and decision-making relating to cultural activities. The requests of civil society organizations include, in particular, more sign language interpreters, more subtitling on television, specialized teachers and greater support for cultural activities in rehabilitation centres for children. The Special Rapporteur appreciates the draft legislation aiming to make the subtitling or sign language interpretation of movies compulsory. 91. The Special Rapporteur conveys to the authorities the serious concerns expressed by many parents regarding the new “inclusive education” programme, which, they believe, requires progressive preparatory steps prior to implementation, in particular by providing schools with special equipment, interpreters and specialists; the training of teachers; adjustments to the curricula; and sensitization programmes to prepare the mainstream population. 31 32 Ibid., para. 30. CCPR/C/RUS/CO/6 and Corr.1, para. 25. 17

Select target paragraph3