On
October 22, the Human Rights Defender of Armenia, Anahit Manasyan, participated
in the National Conference on the “Rights and Services for Persons with
Disabilities” and delivered an opening speech.
In
her remarks, the Defender emphasized that the protection and promotion of the
rights of persons with disabilities is one of the key priorities of the Human
Rights Defender’s mandate. She expressed her gratitude to the organizers of the
conference, underscoring the importance of such platforms for discussing the
sector’s core issues, challenges, and achievements, as well as for developing
joint solutions: “There are numerous complex and multilayered problems in this
field, and such constructive discussions are of essential importance for
overcoming existing obstacles and developing the system.”
The
Defender addressed a number of fundamental and systemic issues that require the
development of appropriate public policies: “Stigmatizing and stereotypical
attitudes, which unfortunately still exist within certain segments of society,
continue to hinder the full participation of persons with disabilities in
public life. It is crucial that not only state institutions, but society as a
whole, contribute to overcoming these barriers.”
According
to the Defender, the field of education, particularly human rights education,
requires systemic revision and profound reforms.
Accessibility
remains a pressing and deep-rooted issue in Armenia. In the Defender’s view, a
targeted and continuous policy must be implemented in order to ensure that
persons with disabilities have the opportunity to live independent and
dignified lives.
Concluding
her speech, Anahit Manasyan reaffirmed her readiness and commitment to continue
working toward the protection and promotion of the rights of persons with
disabilities and toward fostering a more inclusive society.
Opening
remarks were also delivered by H.E. Eric de Muynck, Ambassador Extraordinary
and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Belgium to Armenia; Frank Hess, Head of
Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Armenia; Pauline Le Lèvre, Head of the
“Ensuring Equality and Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities” program
(World Vision, France); Raffi Dudaklian, Executive Director of World Vision
Armenia; and Karine Grigoryan, President of the “Agate” NGO.
The
event also featured a panel discussion on deinstitutionalization and
community-based services, with the participation of Zhanna Hakobyan, Head of
the Department for Ensuring Conventional Mandates at the Office of the Human
Rights Defender of Armenia, as one of the speakers.
The
conference is implemented within the framework of the “Ensuring Equality and
Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities” program, funded by the European
Union and carried out by World Vision Armenia, along with the NGOs “Full Life,”
“Agate,” and the “SOURCE” Foundation.
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