Very few reforms to address disability needs in Armenia – NGO president
Despite the repeatedly discussed reforms to address the disability needs in Armenia, very little is being done to offer real support to those people, says the head of a Yerevan-based NGO dealing with disability issues.
On the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Tert.am talked to Armen Alaverdyan, the president of Unison NGO, who shared his comments and concerns over the problems in the field under their protection.
Alaverdyan noted that the United Nations’ move to declare 2016 a Year of Persons with Disabilities marked the beginning of changes which states embarked on to address specific problems and needs.
“It shouldn’t be limited to just one public event intended for a specific period; it has to be a permanent policy line to ensure equality for the disabled in all areas,” he said, highlighting several positive developments observed over the period.
Alaverdyan highlighted particularly the accessibility of the environment in Yerevan. “We see the Yerevan municipality is doing considerable work in collaboration with NGOs. We have several buses adjusted [to those with limited ability to move]. Most of the [underground] passages too, are adjusted to them; also, there are special facilities for the blind,” he added.
Alaverdyan further emphasized the increased job opportunities for the disabled, noting that the quota requirement for employers largely contributed to progress. Citing official statistics, however, he said the situation hasn’t essentially changed in comparison with the previous years. “The percentage never practically changes from one year to another; 8%-9% of those with disabilities are employed, with over 90% being practically jobless.”
The employment issue is far more problematic in the smaller communities, especially the villages, Alaverdyan added. “Also, the stereotypes are highly dominant in the regions. Our compatriots with disabilities are perceived as passive, unemployable and needing aid. That’s a stereotype inherited from the Soviet period, which is little by little vanishing away in Yerevan, but we still have a lot more to do when it comes the regions.”
Alaverdyan noted that Armenia, as a State Party to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, should have long ago harmonized its legislation with the respective procedures and requirements to offer necessary guarantees. “The first step after [ratification] should have been a policy change in the basic law [Constitution] with respect to [the provisions] regulating the sector. The process dragged on too long. The human rights defender recently initiated a debate over the law. What we are seeking for is to make the legislation more clear-worded and exacting, and give flesh and blood to those provisions which, though written on paper, give way to concerns when it comes to implementation,” he added.
Alaverdyan meantime stressed the importance of practical steps towards achieving the set targets. “Time will show to what extent the new legislation will be viable or practical, and what positive changes it will bring to those people’s lives. The disappointment is also great among those with disabilities, as they see very little changes in their lives despite the repeated discussions over reforms,” he added.
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