HRC 49th Session: Item 3 – Interactive dialogue with Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities Delivered by Lilia Petrosyan - Embassy of Armenia to Switzerland and Permanent Mission of Armenia to the UN office at Geneva

HRC 49th Session: Item 3 – Interactive dialogue with Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities Delivered by Lilia Petrosyan

14 March, 2022

HRC 49^th Session: Item 3 – Interactive dialogue with Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities

Delivered by Lilia Petrosyan

Armenia welcomes the Special Rapporteur and thanks for the comprehensive report. We attach high importance to the rights of persons with disabilities and are fully committed to promoting these rights both at the national and international levels.

Last year Armenia’s Parliament adopted Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which introduces advanced protection measures and norms. The Law, inter alia, emphasizes the need for accessibility of information and communication technologies. We underline the importance for the persons with disabilities to benefit from the products of scientific advancements without any form of discrimination and with full equality with everyone.

Armenia is also committed to the promotion of the right to participate in public affairs for the persons with disabilities. The Central Electoral Commission has undertaken a series of measures to ensure the exercise of the right to vote for voters with disabilities, including through tools enabled by artificial intelligence.

Armenia attaches great importance to the role of artificial intelligence, and has introduced high level educational programs in this field. We are currently exploring the development of an artificial intelligence strategy. However, we recognize that any progress brings with it certain risks and challenges, including the possibility of its discriminatory application for the persons with disabilities. Therefore, we note with a particular interest the report on the artificial intelligence and its impact on the rights of persons with disabilities. We also note the recommendations directed at prevention of possible discrimination in this area.

Armenia would like to reiterate its cooperation and support to the work of the mandate and would like to wish the Special Rapporteur success in his important work.

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