Armenia made considerable progress aligning with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, but the 2020 conflict and COVID-19 slowed down these efforts. Now, authorities face the challenge of addressing the needs of persons with disabilities in the post-conflict and post-pandemic period, concludes the UN’s the Situation Analysis of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. By implementing standalone programs and mainstreaming disability inclusion in its programming, the UN is taking concrete actions to ensure that people with disabilities are not left behind.

UNDP, UNICEF, and UNFPA are collaborating to implement “Creating enabling environment and ecosystem for CRPD implementation and disability mainstreaming in Armenia” project funded by the UNPRPD Fund. In 2022, the National Disability System was reformed through the development of the new E-Disability information system and adjusting Education Management Information System modules to CRPD for better data collection on children with disabilities. The UN, Government and OPDs collaborated for more inclusive strategic papers and projects for persons with disabilities. Public awareness raising campaigns challenged gender stereotypes and empowered women and girls with disabilities.

To complement these efforts, Tech2Life initiative, launched as part of UNDP and UNICEF’s “Stronger Services for Equal Participation and Inclusive Development” joint project with RF support aims to streamline the assistive technology (AT) ecosystem and bridge the gaps in the supply-demand value chain through 4 interconnected facilities: policy reform, infrastructure, education, and market linkages. Our rapid Assistive Technology Assessment, conducted by UNDP and WHO, provides valuable insights on assistive product needs and barriers, guiding policy reform in the area. We were also pleased to provide policy advice and support to the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs in developing the Standard Operational Procedures for the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health reform, ensuring a more comprehensive framework for disability and health classification.

In parallel, UNDP, UNICEF, UNFPA and IOM are expanding the availability of assistive devices, including baby monitors, easy-hold silicone cuffs, pickup tools, and baby food dispensing bottles, through UN MPTF-funded “COVID-19 and Resilience in Armenia” revolving fund.