Sabina Aliyeva: Ensuring the equal participation of persons with disabilities in society is only possible through the creation of an accessible environment
Baku, May 19, AZERTAC
“Accessibility goes beyond ramps, elevators, and signage, encompassing a comprehensive approach that enables individuals to organize their daily lives independently. It ensures equal, barrier-free, and effective participation in education, employment, healthcare, transport, cultural life, public services, and community engagement. Accordingly, the full and effective participation of persons with disabilities in society can only be achieved through the development of an accessible environment,” said Sabina Aliyeva, Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan, in her remarks an international training on “Inclusive Cities and Independent Living for Persons with Disabilities,” organized by Independent Living Center for Persons with Disabilities (ILC) as part of the WUF13.
Stressing that many challenges faced by persons with disabilities are due to poorly designed environments, the Ombudsman emphasized: “Non-compliant crossings, inaccessible transport, unsuitable facilities, limited information, and digital barriers restrict independent living and equal participation”.
She noted that the Ombudsman acts as an independent monitoring mechanism for UN conventions on the rights of persons with disabilities and children, promoting equality and preventing discrimination. The Ombudsman highlighted the importance of protecting rights, identifying challenges, and developing evidence-based solutions, highlighting that inclusive cities and universal design benefit not only persons with disabilities, but society as a whole by ensuring equal access.
“I am confident that the discussions within this event will contribute to making accessibility a key consideration from the earliest stages of urban planning, and to strengthening cooperation between state institutions, international organizations, and civil society,” Sabina Aliyeva emphasized.
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