National NGO Forum on Disability Issues

Despite the provision of care by the state to the disabled, in this area there is a problem that must be solved, and civil society can contribute to the social protection of this category of persons. This idea was voiced during the presentation of the project: "Protecting the rights of disabled persons and persons with disabilities and their integration into society", implemented by the National NGO Forum, with the support of the Ministry of Labor and Social Security (MLSS) on May 14.

The project was implemented in the second half of 2012, with meetings and workshops in 11 districts of the country and with structures designed to ensure the rights and address the social problems of citizens - the executive, municipalities, law enforcement agencies, civil society and the media.

As the head of the NGO Forum Rauf Zeyni said, the project was not only to promote the protection of the rights of disabled people and solving problems, but also educational measures to change attitudes in society towards people with disabilities.

It is necessary to overcome the stereotype that people with disabilities are flawed people and create maximum conditions for their access to education and information, and provide them with jobs, he said.

Most of the disabled people complain about the low level of benefits and pensions, poor living conditions, and lack of special vehicles.

The legislation of Azerbaijan also has a disability discrimination cases. In addition, some of the problems associated with the indifference of the officials.

Another problem is unawareness of people with disabilities about their rights. There is a lack of psychological rehabilitation centers. The existing transport infrastructure does not provide special places for movement disabilities.

In turn, the Chief of the MLSS Sector Iskandar Mustafaev said that the new Town Planning Code provides for the possibility to move in wheelchairs. In addition, the state is developing a program of rehabilitation of each individual disabled person.

In addition, measures are planned to expand the network of prenatal centers in order to study and predict the possible health defects of the fetus in the first weeks of pregnancy.

The representative of MLSS stressed that the legislation establishes only two cases of prohibition to enter into employment contracts with persons with disabilities - if their health does not allow performing a specific job and if their work could endanger the lives of their own and other people.

The total number of disabled persons in Azerbaijan is 425 thousand, including 61 thousand children. -06c-