On May 22, a roundtable discussion brought together political parties participating in Armenia’s National Assembly elections, civil society organizations, and persons with disabilities. The meeting concluded with the signing of a joint commitment on advancing inclusive policies.
According to official data, Armenia is home to more than 153,000 persons with disabilities, most of whom are eligible voters. Yet the rights and needs of persons with disabilities remain largely absent from the platforms and campaign agendas of political parties. Participants stressed that meaningful inclusion in political life is essential for a democratic and equitable society.
The event was organized by the “Agate” Rights Defense Center for Women with Disabilities to encourage political actors to integrate disability rights into their policy agendas and election programs.
In the lead-up to the event, the organization identified a number of urgent issues affecting persons with disabilities and developed a set of policy recommendations. The initiative has already been endorsed by 26 civil society organizations, international partners, and individual advocates, reflecting broad support for collective action and systemic change.
The recommendations were shared with all political parties taking part in the parliamentary elections.
During the discussion, organizers presented the key priorities outlined in the commitment document, including inclusive education, accessible healthcare, employment, legal capacity and guardianship reforms, and the prevention of violence against women with disabilities, particularly women with intellectual disabilities.
Special attention was also given to the challenges faced by forcibly displaced women with disabilities.
Representatives of political parties were invited to present the measures included in their election programs addressing the rights and participation of women with disabilities.