Statement of the Delegation of Armenia during the Interactive dialogue with Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities at the 46th Session of the UN HRC

03 March, 2021

HRC 46^th Session: Item 3 – Interactive Dialogue with Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities

Delivered by Mr. Henrik Yeritsyan, Third Secretary

Madam President,

We would like to thank the Special Rapporteur and his predecessor for this insightful report.

Armenia has been constantly exerting effort towards the full inclusion of persons with disabilities in the social activities, including through the Government adopted Policies and Concepts with the main purpose of bringing real changes to their lives.

We share the concerns of the Special Rapporteur on the negative impact of underinclusive educational systems in different societies. In this context we would like to note that Armenia has set the goal of universal inclusive education until 2025, as a guarantee of the right to education for every child.

We believe that it is crucial that persons with disabilities overcome the sense of being ‘invisible’. Only then we can be proud of ourselves for making real progress in the lives of the people.

We further share the conviction of the Special Rapporteur that the International Humanitarian Law places a premium on the current status of persons with disabilities under the laws of war. This obligation has been continuously violated by Azerbaijan during its recent aggression against Nagorno-Karabakh when it deliberately bombed hospitals and killed persons with disabilities, who were not able to leave the conflict zone.

I thank you.

Right of Reply in response to the statement of Azerbaijan

Madam President,

Armenia would like to exercise its right of reply in response to the statement made by the representative of Azerbaijan. But before touching upon other aspects of the crimes committed by that country, we would like to further elaborate on the atrocities with regards to the persons with disabilities. We deem it of fundamental importance for this Council to be thoroughly informed on the heinous acts performed by Azerbaijan.

At least two civilians who were killed in cold blood by the subversive groups of the Azerbaijani armed forces in the currently occupied Hadrut region of Nagorno Karabakh had mental disabilities. One of them Misha Movsisyan, killed in his apartment with three gunshots and the other Artsvik Mirzoyan shot dead in the yard of his house in front of his father. In the same region 82 years old disabled person Radik Stepanyan was found killed and mutilated.

The Human Rights Watch has recently published its report on unlawful attacks of Azerbaijan on medical facilities in Nagorno-Karabakh.

Madam President,

Overall, 72 civilian causalities have yet been verified, 41 of them were killed as a result of targeted strikes, 31 in captivity. A number of cases of torture, decapitation and mutilation of corpses, were recorded too. These are only the confirmed cases, there are numerous others under investigation. Moreover, Azerbaijan refuses to free numerous Armenian Prisoners of war and civilians in gross violation of International Humanitarian Law.

The statement of the heads of states of Armenia, Russia and Azerbaijan was aimed at the establishment of a ceasefire, exchange of captives, deployment of the peacekeepers and return of all displaced people. The role of the UN has been specifically mentioned in this regard. All issues concerning the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement are subject to negotiations exclusively within the format of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmanship. Lasting and sustainable peace in the region could be achieved only through the comprehensive settlement of the conflict, including by resolving the status of Nagorno - Karabakh based on the realization of the fundamental human rights, including the right to self-determination of the people of Artsakh, ensuring the safe and dignified return of the displaced population and preserving the cultural and religious heritage.

I thank you.

MFA RA
official website

Dual citizenship

Electronic visa

Visa applications