The Azerbaijani Ombudsman attaches great importance to the promotion of inclusive education in the country

The representative of Azerbaijan Ombudsman Institution took part at the Consultative meeting on Analysis of the inclusive education policy in Azerbaijan which was held by the “Regional Development” Public Union of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation within the framework of the project named “Improvement of the teachers’ skills in the field of inclusive education” implemented with the support of the European Union. .
During the meeting it was pointed out that according to the Article 24 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities adopted on 13 December, 2006, state parties recognize the right to education of persons with disabilities. Accordingly, State Parties shall ensure the inclusive education system at all levels and lifelong learning with the purpose of realizing this right without discrimination, also the persons with disabilities should not be excluded from education and could have access an inclusive, quality and free primary and secondary education on an equal basis with others. .
In the event the Ombudsman’s activities on eliminating obstacles related to the rehabilitation of the persons with disabilities, increasing the opportunities of inclusive education, establishing new workplaces and ensuring their integration to the society were highly appreciated. It was also informed about the “State Program on inclusive education for the persons with disabilities in the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2018-2024” approved by the country President.
It is also worth to mention the Ombudsman’s proposals to the government on implementing measures regarding creation of different profile social service institutions and rehabilitation centers, education institutions with inclusive components, allocation of sufficient financial and human resources for organizing inclusive education, preparing children with disabilities to inclusive education from earlier years, training of specialized trainers.