The session of the Lori Regional Commission on the Issues of Persons with Disabilities was held, chaired by Mr. Hovhannes Avetisyan, the Acting Governor of Lori.

Welcoming the presents, H. Avetisyan emphasized the importance of the Committee’s activities, noting that expanding social inclusion, education, healthcare, and employment opportunities for people with disabilities is a primary issue.

He also emphasized the importance of cooperation between the state and local self-government bodies and non-governmental organizations for the implementation of effective programs. Within the framework of the agenda, the representatives of the “Lusastgh” NGO (the organization is a member of the Committee as well), presented the programs aimed at inclusive education implemented with the state support, the research related to these programs, which the organization carried out, and touched upon the two-year activities of the “Ada” Center, the services provided, and various programs. Ms Arpine Serobyan, the Vice President of the organization, presented the simplified budget prepared based on the distribution of funds provided from the RA state budget to organize inclusive education in general education schools and the assessment of their effectiveness, as well as the advocacy action plan implemented in the framework of the “Universal Inclusion 2. From Budget to Policy” project, which arose from these results, and touched upon the goals and expected results as well. Ms Ani Gabrielyan the President of the organization, noted that the “Universal Inclusion 2. From Budget to Policy” project is being implemented within the framework of the “Budgets for Citizens” project implemented with the financial support of the European Union,  by the Armenian Lawyers’ Association, in cooperation with partners “Economic Development and Research Center” (EDRC) NGO and “Agora Central Europe” NGO (Czech Republic). Ani Gabrielyan noted that the main objective of the program is to promote the development and establishment of the inclusive education system in Armenia through advocacy, through which they will try to achieve the introduction of such a civil control and feedback tool with the help of which the beneficiaries – children, parents, teachers and guardians – shall be able to record violations, omissions or problems in the sector. According to the NGO’s Head, this tool will also help policymakers see the real challenges in the system and respond to them in a timely manner.

The Lori Governor, welcoming those responsible for the program, emphasized the importance of the project and expressed hope that this important initiative will yield results. The opinions and recommendations expressed during the session once again emphasized that the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities and their inclusion in all spheres of public life requires a systemic approach and multilateral cooperation. The members of the Commission agreed that as a result of joint work and successive steps, it is possible to provide an environment in which every citizen will be able to fully realize his rights and potential.

The session was concluded with mutual readiness to continue working together and develop initiatives to create a more inclusive and just society.

This publication has been developed with the financial support of the European Union, within the framework of a sub-grant provided under the “Budgets for Citizens” project implemented by the Armenian Lawyers’ Association, in cooperation with partners “Economic Development and Research Center” (EDRC) NGO and “Agora Central Europe” NGO (Czech Republic). It has been implemented by “Lusastgh” NGO within the framework of the “Universal Inclusion 2: From Budget to Policy” project. The “Lusastgh” NGO is responsible for the content, and it does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.