The 19th session of the States Parties to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities was held in New York City, United States.

Azerbaijan was represented at the event by Ulvi Huseynov, Deputy Head of the Compulsory Health Insurance Policy and Medical-Social Expertise Department of the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Population, and Rashad Maharramov, Deputy Chairman of the Board of the State Medical-Social Expertise and Rehabilitation Agency under the Ministry.

Speaking at the session, Ulvi Huseynov noted that Azerbaijan joined the Convention in October 2008 and highlighted the country’s successful experience in implementing its provisions over the years. Information was provided on reforms aimed at ensuring the rights of persons with disabilities, strengthening their social protection, expanding rehabilitation and social integration opportunities, and aligning national disability legislation with the principles of the Convention.

It was noted that state social services, including the disability assessment system, have been digitized, and proactive mechanisms have been introduced for the assignment of social payments and the delivery of a number of services. Efforts to expand the use of digital solutions to improve access to services for persons with disabilities were also highlighted.

At a side event dedicated to the realization of the rights of mine victims, information was presented on measures implemented in Azerbaijan to ensure the rights of mine victims, including social protection, rehabilitation, and psychosocial support services.

Participants were also informed about efforts to provide persons with disabilities, including those who became disabled as a result of mine incidents, with rehabilitation equipment and advanced high-tech prosthetic devices.