04 December 2019, 11:12
Stepanakert: activists criticize authorities for indifference to invalids' problems
On December 3, a roundtable, dated to the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, was held in the Stepanakert House of Culture and Youth. The event was jointly organized by the "Decision" Civil Initiative and the Union of the Blind of Nagorno-Karabakh.
The participants of the roundtable have discussed issues related to employment, education, access to public transport and mobility of people with disabilities.
"Exactly a year ago, a discussion was organized; problems were identified; however, there's no obvious progress towards solving them," Artak Beglaryan, the Ombudsperson of Nagorno-Karabakh, has stated at the event.
"I attribute this to the passivity of NGOs and the inertia of state structures," Mr Beglaryan has stated.
"The physical environment is not adapted for the free travel of persons with disabilities. The buildings are not duly fit; there are no conditions for their travel in public transport. The issue of employment is disappointing – there are corresponding state programmes, but they are not enough. There are also awareness gaps – many people with disabilities are not sufficiently informed about their rights," Mr Beglaryan has added.
This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on December 4, 2019 at 03:03 am MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.
Author: Alvard Grigoryan Source: CK correspondent
