PRESS RELEASE
USAID Armenia, Social Protection Systems
Strengthening Project (SPSS)
18 Baghramian Ave
Yerevan 0019 RA
Tel: +37410 54 26 11
Email: [email protected]
Website:
Contact: Sona Hamalian
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Major Yerevan Events Marks International Day of Disabled Persons
Armenian Government Renews Commitment to Disabled Issues
Yerevan – On December 3rd, the UN International Day of Disabled
Persons was observed in Yerevan with a major concert at the
Khachaturyan Hall of the Opera House. The event marked a new
partnership between Governemnt and NGOs. It featured performances by
top Armenian artists and famous disabled singers appearances by
high-ranking officials, was attended by Aghvan Vardanyan, Minister of
Labor and Social Issues; representatives of some 45 Armenian NGOs
active in advocacy and support of disability affairs; representatives
of local and regional governments; representatives of international
agencies and organizations. .
The annual observance of the International Day of Disabled Persons
aims to promote understanding of disability issues and mobilize
support for the dignity, rights, and well-being of persons with
disabilities. The International Day is also a conduit for increasing
awareness of the benefits that societies stand to reap from the
integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political,
cultural, social, economic, and cultural life.
This year’s International Day of Disabled Persons placed particular
emphasis on ensuring employment for persons with disabilities and on
ways to tap into the abilities of this marginalized talent pool. These
goals are expressed in Article 27 of the recently adopted UN
Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, of which
Armenia, as a member state of the UN, is a signatory. Article 27
recognizes the rights of persons with disabilities to obtain and
retain employment on an equal basis. Furthermore, it stresses the
right of persons with disabilities to earn a living from freely chosen
work, and to be employed in an environment that is both accessible and
accepting.
The December 3rd event in Yerevan was initiated by the Disabled and
Elderly Issues of the Ministry of Labor and Social Issues (MLSI),
which collaborated with the USAID Armenia’s Social Protection Systems
Strengthening (SPSS) project, World Vision and Counterpart
International, Narekatsi Cultural Association for organizing the
event. In preparing for the observance of the International Day, the
SPSS team was guided by four principles: `Involve, Organize,
Celebrate, and Take Action.’
In his speech Minister Vardanyan presented the new approaches and
cureent status and problems the Governments faces in trying to find
better ways to include people with disabilities in all society.
The December 3rd event carried the slogan `A Harmonious Society With
Joint Efforts’ featured a combination of musical performances, and
screenings of reports and success stories pertaining to disabled
rights. The main message throughout the evening celebrated a steady
progress in Armenia toward full economic, social, and cultural
integration of disabled persons in society.
Their remarks were complemented by screenings of a number of mini
documentaries of equal employment and education rights, improved
accesability, job retention, return to work measures, and
opportunities for entrepreneurship.
`Safeguarding and advocating for the rights of disabled Armenian
citizens are core objectives of the Social Protection Systems
Strengthening project,’ said Amy Ramm, Chief of Party of USAID/SPSS
project. `We are extremely pleased that with the observance of the
International Day of Disabled Persons, the Government of Armenia,
together with an number of organizations and stakeholders, helped take
Armenia one step closer to equal opportunity and respect for all.’
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
