Ombudsman had a meeting with autistic people

Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Sabina Aliyeva, had a meeting with autistic people. The representatives of the “Birgə və Sağlam” (Together and Healthy) Public Union also took part in the meeting. 

During the meeting aimed at discussing with the representatives of the Public Union how to address the existing challenges faced by individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and get acquainted with the Ombudsman’s overall activity, the Ombudsman informed the participants of the meeting about measures taken by the Ombudsman Office to support such categories of people. 

S.Aliyeva emphasized the importance of the protection of persons with special needs, including children with special needs, and the support for their societal integration, adding the necessity of coordinated work of the corresponding state institutions, as well as the relevant organizations in this field with a view to addressing the current difficulties related to autism.    

Ombudsman also underlined the significance of the adoption of a specific normative and legal act regarding state support for individuals with ASD and a purposeful state program, enhancing the specialized educational institutions and rehabilitation centers for them, strengthening the training of specialists, and holding public-awareness events.    

At the meeting, Ayten Eynalova, head of the Public Union, and Leyla Taghiyeva, a member of the “Autism Advisory Council” in the Public Union, brought to the information about the current problems in relation to the social integration of this category of people, and rehabilitation measures taken by the “Autism Center,”operating within the Public Union, as well as planned works.   

At the end of the meeting, the participants were presented with commemorative events.