Today, on July 21, the Human Rights Defender Ms. Anahit Manasyan
participated in the regular session of the public council on the protection of
the rights of persons with disabilities adjunct to the Human Rights Defender,
within the framework of which a discussion themed the "Provision of
personal assistant services for persons with disabilities in Armenia” was held.
The event was attended by the members of the public council for
the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities adjunct to the Human
Rights Defender, and the representatives of various divisions of the Defender’s
Office. Within the framework of the "Support to the National Assembly of
Armenia" program of the Parliamentary Center (Canada), financed by the
Pro-Dem Dem fund of the Global Affairs Canada, online participation of
specialists from the Canadian side was also ensured at the event.
Welcoming the participants, Ms. Manasyan emphasized the
importance of the public council on the protection of the rights of persons
with disabilities adjunct to the Defender. In this context, the Defender noted
that the council is a bridge between individuals with special characteristics
and the state, and the members are in constant contact with the Defender’s
Office, as a result of which problems are raised and solutions are proposed.
"We all have countless characteristics. At the same time,
we live in the same environment, and we face seemingly different but similar
problems every day. It is imperative to create an environment in which our
characteristics will become the basis of public solidarity. It is essential
that joint efforts are implemented to create an accessible environment for
people with disabilities. I am sure that together we can do it" noted the
Defender.
The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Canada to
Armenia, Her Excellency Mrs. Alison Mary LeClaire (residence: Moscow), and Mr.
Ivo Balinov, the Regional Director of Asia and Europe of the Parliamentary
Center, participated in the online format, and expressed their gratitude to the
Defender for organizing the discussion, emphasizing the importance of
Armenian-Canadian cooperation in the field. The Canadian experts presented
their country's experience in providing personal assistant service, and support
services for persons with disabilities, as well as the joint responsibilities
of the Canadian federal and provincial levels to support persons with
disabilities.
A question and answer session was also held, during which
various issues related to the field were raised.
Ms. Ani Ohanjanyan, the Acting Head of the Unit for Protection
of Rights of Persons with Disabilities of the Defender’s Office, presented the
problems registered by the Defender’s Office regarding the provision of
personal assistant services in Armenia, while the members of the public council
on the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities referred to the
obstacles faced by persons with disabilities in Armenia.
Within the context of the discussion the importance of persons
with disabilities to live independently, and to be included in their community,
including the realization of the rights to use services available to the public
were emphasized. The importance to promote the accessibility of the physical
environment, information and communication of persons with disabilities were
also highlighted.
At the conclusion of the session, Ms. Manasyan noted that the
questions and proposals raised during the discussion will be studied and
analyzed for the purposed of developing solutions to the problems raised. The
Defender also added that the meetings in this format will be continuous.
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