International Day of Disabled Persons Highlights Progress and Challenges in Azerbaijan

As the world marks the International Day of Disabled Persons on December 3, attention turns to the situation in Azerbaijan, where efforts are underway to address the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. Established in 1992 by the United Nations, this day aims to advocate for the rights of persons with disabilities and raise awareness about the obstacles they encounter in various aspects of public life.

The United Nations Decade of Persons with Disabilities (1983-1992) laid the groundwork for heightened awareness and actions to improve conditions for people with disabilities, culminating in the proclamation of December 3 as the International Day of Disabled Persons. The UN General Assembly urged member states to conduct annual events, emphasizing the importance of integrating individuals with disabilities into society.

In Azerbaijan, the day is observed through various events, drawing attention to the challenges faced by those limited in their freedom of movement, access to education, recreational activities, and career opportunities. The nation's majority of disabled citizens, a significant number of whom were injured during the Karabakh conflict, necessitate ongoing efforts to protect their rights.

Despite legal provisions mandating employers to hire people with disabilities, challenges persist. Employers may be hesitant due to perceived financial burdens, as disabled individuals are entitled to 42 days of paid leave, double that of their non-disabled counterparts. The country has about 570 thousand people with disabilities, with only around 60 thousand in the workforce, highlighting the need for improved employment opportunities.

The creation of specialized enterprises could be a solution, yet such entities are notably absent in the country. Though Baku has made strides in infrastructure development for citizens with disabilities, challenges persist, including inadequate public transportation options and limited inclusive education facilities.

Children with disabilities face particular hurdles, with only four schools in the capital offering inclusive education. Out of approximately 65 thousand children with disabilities in the country, only 288 are covered by the inclusive system, underscoring the need for broader accessibility in education.

Furthermore, the higher education landscape in Azerbaijan remains largely unadapted for inclusive education. The absence of barrier-free environments in educational institutions and the lack of specialized equipment present obstacles for disabled students aspiring to pursue higher education.

While progress has been made in certain aspects, creating a barrier-free environment in education, vocational training, and ensuring the free movement of migrants in Azerbaijan remains a significant aspiration. Achieving these goals will require substantial financial investment, an area that calls for increased attention and allocation of resources in the national budget. As the international community celebrates the strides made in disability rights, Azerbaijan grapples with the complex task of fully integrating individuals with disabilities into the fabric of society.