December 3 is celebrated all over the world as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, to highlight the importance of the full realization of their rights, Armenia's Ombudsperson Anahit Manasyan stated.
"On this occasion, I would like to emphasize the state’s obligation to ensure equal rights for persons with disabilities in all spheres of life, as well as their full participation and inclusion in public life.
The Human Rights Defender’s monitoring indicates that there are still systemic problems in the field, which are regularly reflected in the Defender’s reports and statements, as well as raised during meetings with state and international partners.
It is essential that all decisions and actions of the state be based on principles such as respect for the dignity of persons with disabilities, the provision of opportunities for development and independent decision-making, as well as the guarantee of equal participation in public life and accessibility of the environment.
I would like to emphasize that every step taken towards the formation of an inclusive society not only demonstrates respect for the dignity of the individual, but also strengthens public solidarity, making the public environment caring and equal.
I would like to specifically emphasize that protecting and guaranteeing the rights of persons with disabilities is the collective responsibility of each of us, and we must be able to do our utmost to improve the sector in line with international standards," the statement reads.
