The 55th session of the UN Human Rights Council has started in Geneva, Switzerland from 26th February 2024. The “Annual High-Level Panel Discussion on Human Rights Mainstreaming” was held within the session. The main topic of the panel discussion was “Harnessing multilateral efforts to embed, amplify and realize the rights of persons with disabilities, with a focus on full and effective participation and inclusion in society.”
During the discussions, the video intervention of Ramil Iskandarli, the chairman of the “Legal Analysis and Research” Public Union, NGO with UN ECOSOC Special Consultative Status, was broadcasted.
In his speech, the chairman of the NGO touched on the issues of the continuation of Armenia’s policy of mine terrorism against Azerbaijan, the work carried out on for PwDs as a result of the landmine problems, and the importance of international support.
Here the full transcript and video record of the intervention:
“Mr. President,
Ensuring the effective participation and inclusion in society of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), particularly mine victims, is a multifaceted challenge that requires a comprehensive, inclusive, and rights-based approach. NGOs play a critical role in advocating for, supporting, and implementing programs that promote the inclusion of PwDs.
During the post-conflict period, it was found that there are about one and a half million mines and unexploded ordnance in the liberated areas. The issue of people disabled as a result of landmines explosions is not a political issue, but a humanitarian and human rights issue. Armenia’s ongoing mine terrorism against Azerbaijan and the provision of inaccurate landmine maps prevent the return of Azerbaijani former IDPs to their homeland, violate their rights to freedom of movement, health, employment and education..
Many NGOs in Azerbaijan work to provide humanitarian demining and awareness initiatives, rehabilitation services, including physical and psychosocial support for mine victims. However, there is very few international support initiatives for demining our territories. I believe that international support should be increased and we should mobilize our efforts to fight this problem. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.”
