"After
the information about banning the entry of a group of children with
disabilities from Vanadzor to Yerevan to the “Aquatek” sports and
health complex appeared on social media, Human Rights Defender Anahit Manasyan
immediately instructed the staff to deal with the issue in order to find out
the reasons. To ascertain the factual circumstances, direct communication has
been established with the parties.
According
to the submitted data, the "Aquatek" and "Water World"
entertainment places belong to the same company. “Aquatek” is not adapted to
the needs of persons with disabilities. The obtained data also prove that on
that day it was not possible to ensure simultaneous access to the territory and
safe entertainment of eight persons with disabilities. Consequently, the latter
were offered to use the services provided by "Water World".
As a
result of the phone conversations conducted by the Defender's staff with the
parties, as well as the analysis of the information provided by the parties to
the media, it was found out that the group from Vanadzor did not use the
services of the "Water world" taking into account the open-air nature
of the area and the weather conditions.
Based
on the obtained data, the Human Rights Defender records that the cause of the
incident is the fact that the "Aquatek" entertainment place is not
accessible for people with disabilities, which is a common issue in the
Republic of Armenia.
The
Defender, as an official who monitors the implementation of the provisions of
the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, adopted on
December 13, 2006, has repeatedly referred to the need to ensure the principle
of accessibility, highlighting the importance of identifying and eliminating
barriers and obstacles.
The
Defender once again emphasizes that the measures aimed at creating an
accessible environment for persons with disabilities are at the center of her
immediate attention. The Human Rights Defender’s office remains dedicated to
its ongoing efforts aimed at enhancing both the legislative framework and
practicewithin this field.
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