UN rep says Azerbaijan has made significant progress on disability rights

Azerbaijan has made significant progress in implementing the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities as well as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, according to the United Nations.

As reported by local media, the assessment was voiced by Vladanka Andreeva, UN Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan, during a seminar in Baku dedicated to promoting the use of inclusive language in the media.

The event was jointly organised by the UN representation in Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Andreeva noted that similar messages were delivered at the Social Development Summit held in Doha several weeks earlier, where it was underlined that meaningful social progress can only be achieved through the full inclusion of all segments of society.

She also recalled that earlier this year, the UN Secretary-General presented his sixth system-wide report on disability issues. According to Andreeva, the document reflects the joint work carried out over the past six years, highlights the progress achieved between 2019 and 2024, and at the same time sets more ambitious targets for future action.

Speaking specifically about Azerbaijan, Andreeva said the country has demonstrated notable advances in fulfilling its obligations under the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and in implementing the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. She emphasised that particular attention has been given to Sustainable Development Goals 10 and 16.

“The progress achieved is something to be proud of,” she said, adding, however, that certain challenges remain, especially in how disability-related issues are covered and presented in the media.

By Tamilla Hasanova