BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 24. Azerbaijan’s
state policy on disability is based on the principles of inclusion,
integration, equality, non-discrimination, and respect for the
individual characteristics of persons with disabilities.


This was stated by Shahriyar Hajiyev, First Secretary of the
Permanent Mission of Azerbaijan to the United Nations, during an
interactive dialogue with the Chair of the Committee on the Rights
of Persons with Disabilities and the Special Rapporteur on the
rights of persons with disabilities at the Third Committee of the
81st session of the UN General Assembly.


“Ensuring the full and effective participation of persons with
disabilities in society, on an equal basis with others, should be
an overarching objective for States and the international
community.


Effective measures should be taken in the fields of education,
employment, social services, healthcare, public participation, and
awareness-raising to ensure the full enjoyment of human rights by
persons with disabilities.


This year marks the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the
Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, a landmark
treaty that elaborates on the rights of persons with disabilities
and sets out a code of implementation.


In Azerbaijan, state policy on disabilities is guided by the
principles of inclusivity, integration, equality,
non-discrimination, and respect for the characteristics of persons
with disabilities.


As a result of reforms undertaken in recent years, negative
connotations have been removed from legislative acts, disability
governance has been modernised through digital transformation, and
Azerbaijani Sign Language has been officially recognised.


While addressing human rights challenges related to disability,
it should be noted that the prevalence of newly acquired
disabilities is increasing as a result of landmines, explosive
remnants of war (ERW), and improvised explosive devices (IEDs),
including in post-conflict settings.


More than 13 per cent of Azerbaijan’s territory is contaminated
by unexploded ordnance laid during the occupation, posing a serious
risk to the returning population. Since 2020, the number of mine
victims has reached 443, underscoring the need for international
solidarity and support to prevent disability, particularly by
strengthening national mine-action efforts.


In conclusion, Azerbaijan will continue to take measures to
prevent disabilities, provide habilitation and rehabilitation, and
ensure equal opportunities for persons with disabilities,”
Shahriyar Hajiyev said in his statement.