Elnara Ansari: Social protection of persons with disabilities is key direction of social policy in Azerbaijan

A digital and contactless disability assessment system has been established in Azerbaijan. Through the digital disability subsystem, medical data is processed electronically, and decisions are made in a transparent and efficient manner, said Elnara Ansari, Director of the DOST Center for Inclusive Development and Creativity and member of the Supervisory Board of the Agency for State Support to NGOs, Report informs.

Speaking during the event dedicated to the theme Independent Living and Inclusive Cities for Persons with Disabilities held on the third day of WUF13 in Baku, Ansari noted that Azerbaijan is one of the first countries in the region to implement such a system.

"The social protection and rights of persons with disabilities are among the main directions of social policy in Azerbaijan. In 2018, the Law 'On the Rights of Persons with Disabilities' was adopted, creating a strong legal framework for ensuring equal rights, rehabilitation, employment, and social inclusion," the director said.

She also highlighted that social payments are assigned proactively without requiring applications or documents from citizens: "The proactive social service model has already gained international recognition and is being studied by other countries. Alongside this, the concept of inclusive and accessible cities is being promoted. Accessibility is not limited to physical infrastructure - it means ensuring equal participation in all areas of life. The rules adopted in 2021 on adapting infrastructure require both public and private institutions to ensure accessibility in transport, communication, culture, and public services."

Ansari added that in 2019, job standards for persons with disabilities were adopted, and a digital system was developed to support inclusive employment and monitor adaptation needs in the labor market.