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The UNICEF country Representative launched a workshop “Implementation of the CRPD in Azerbaijan in the context of protection of children” to discuss some of Azerbaijan's commitments and to make recommendations on some practical steps to apply social model to programs for children with disabilities (PWDs). UNICEF Deputy Representative Ms. Min Yuan, child rights expert, as well as representatives of UNICEF, Ombudsman Office and of various relevant ministries, state commissions, other government agencies and civil society institutions took part in the event.

At the event, there have been delivered interesting presentations on research results on the CRPD: A New Approach to Disability, "Summary of Research Findings, Relationships and Practices for Children with Disabilities (CWDs)", "Assessment of Disability in Children: international and national experience" and Early Intervention: international and national experience ”,“ CWDs: habilitation or rehabilitation, Enterprise-Based Services vs. Community-Based Services, International Best Practices and Country Experience ”,“ Development of Inclusive Education in Azerbaijan: current situation and perspectives ”.

Representative of the Ombudsman's Office Mugalib Mahmudov spoke about the work of the Office for ??social and legal protection of PWDs, improvement of national laws, actions taken for elimination of legal restrictions faced by such category of people in the society as well as about accomplishments.

He also focused on the disability concept, in general, used terminology, medical and social models of disability, benefits of this social model stated in CRPD, measures undertaken during transition from medical to social model in Azerbaijan; recognition of PWDs as full members of society, respect and dignity for their rights, protection them against discrimination and so on.

It was also noted that the Ombudsman is effectively working in the frame of the “State Program on Development of Inclusive Education for the PWDs in 2018-2024” and towards the implementation of related activities. Consequently, Ombudsman proposed advancing the legislation in respect of the PWDs to ensure transition from medical to social model in the country; fostering all children respect for the rights of the PWDs at all levels of education and since early ages, as well as building positive approaches in conformity with CRPD in relation to the PWDs in mass media, application of the appropriate correct terms in relation to them in a view not to degrading them and to conduct public awareness campaigns in the concerned area.

The workshop ended with interactive discussions.