Visit conducted to learn the situation regarding the rights of persons with disabilities

Upon the instruction of the Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan and within the framework of the “Human Rights Month”, members of the National Preventive Group conducted a visit to a social service institution for persons with disabilities operating under the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Population.

The purpose of the visit was to learn on-site the situation regarding the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities residing in the institution, the conditions created for them, the provision of social and rehabilitation services, the organization and implementation of social and psychological work, as well as the measures taken to meet their individual needs.

The visit was also attended by a representative of civil society and an expert involved in the activities of the National Preventive Group, Davud Rahimli, President of the Union of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities. Issues related to ensuring the rights of persons with disabilities were considered in a broader context and the existing situation was comprehensively assessed.

Inspections were conducted in the residential buildings, canteen, medical service and rehabilitation units, as well as confidential meetings with persons residing in the institution. Issues related to the provision of assistive devices to persons with disabilities, the condition of the accessible environment, the compliance of the existing infrastructure with their needs, opportunities for social integration, and the application of an individual approach were examined.

Within the framework of the visit, a number of recommendations were provided by the members of the National Preventive Group and the expert regarding the continuous monitoring of the individual needs of persons with disabilities, the expansion of accessibility opportunities, as well as the improvement of the provision of assistive devices.