Statement by Ms. Syuzanna Martirosyan, Third Secretary of the Permanent Mission of Armenia, at the general debate of the 19th Session of the Conference of States Parties to CRPD

Madam President,

Excellencies,

We welcome the overarching theme of this year's Conference "CRPD at 20: celebrating and consolidating achievements and shaping the next phase of implementation in a changing world".

The 20^th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) provides an important opportunity not only to reflect on the significant progress achieved over the past two decades, but also to renew our collective determination to ensure the full and effective implementation of the Convention in an increasingly complex and rapidly changing global environment.

Since ratifying the Convention in 2010 and its Optional Protocol in 2022, Armenia has continued to advance comprehensive legislative, institutional and policy reforms aimed at strengthening equality, independent living and the meaningful participation of persons with disabilities in society. An important milestone was the adoption of the Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which further aligned the national legal framework with the principles and provisions of the Convention.

At the policy level, the implementation of the 2023-2027 Programme on the Social Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities continues to guide our efforts in areas such as accessibility, inclusive education, employment, social protection, and participation in public life.

Armenia has also intensified efforts aimed at strengthening disability-inclusive services and advancing the transition from a predominantly medical approach toward a human rights-based model of disability assessment. In this regard, important progress has been achieved through the introduction of the functional assessment model based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, supported by the digitized "e-disability" system.

Particular attention is being devoted to promoting independent living and community inclusion through the continued expansion of the Personal Assistance Service for persons with severe and profound functional limitations, the strengthening of community-based support mechanisms, including home care, day-care and psychosocial support services, as well as improved access to assistive devices and technologies.

Madam President,

Despite the important progress achieved over the past two decades, considerable challenges continue to hinder the full and effective implementation of the Convention. Bridging the gap between international commitments and the realities faced by persons with disabilities requires sustained political commitment, rights-based policies, adequate resources and the meaningful participation of organizations of persons with disabilities in all decision-making processes affecting their lives.

To conclude, Armenia remains firmly committed to further advancing an inclusive, accessible and equitable society, where the rights, dignity and equal opportunities of all persons with disabilities are fully realized.

Thank you.