On 13 June, Ms Anush Aslanyan, President of “Equal Rights, Equal Opportunities” NGO, Ms. Anush Arakelyan member of the NGO and Armen Aslanyan, volunteer of the NGO had a working meeting with Mr. Manvel Saribekyan, Head of the Construction Policy and Pricing Methodology Division of the Construction and Scientific and Technical Regulation Department of the Urban development Committee and Ms Anahit Mamikonian, chief specialist of the Committee. Themeeting was organized within the scope of the “Human Rights, Monitoring and Publicity” Sub-grant project implemented in the framework of the EU funded “Commitment to Constructive Dialogue” Project
The participants discussed the results of the research on the physical accessibility of the 15 state structures in Vanadzor and their recommendations. With regard to the research proposals, the mechanisms for the application of sanctions established by the law for the works carried out with violations of construction norms from the design stage to the completion of the construction, within the scope of point 2.1.4 of Annex 2 of the Protocol N 1 “On Approval of the Complex Program of Social Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in 2017-2023 and Action Plan for the Implementation of the Program” approved on 12 January, 2017 Government Meeting. This provides participation of non-governmental organizations dealing with the problems of persons with disabilities in the process of drafting proposals for buildings and constructions by means of RA state budget, the importance of ensuring availability of separate reception rooms on the ground floor of public service public institutions and access to cultural buildings.
Ms Anush Aslanyan mentioned that in order to improve the policy in the area of disability, monitoring was carried out to identify the accessibility of services provided to people with disabilities in Vanadzor. She outlined the mechanisms of application of sanctions established by the law for the works implemented with violations of construction norms and the nature and quantitative data of violations registered during the construction phase to the end of the construction (irregularities concerning the lack of accommodation for people with disabilities and disabilities).
In response to this, Mr. Manvel Saribekyan clarified that the functions of the inspection are carried out by the RA Civil Service, Technical and Fire Safety Inspection body. He also noted that within the framework point 2.1.4 of Annex 2 of the Protocol N 1 “On Approval of the Complex Program of Social Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in 2017-2023 and Action Plan for the Implementation of the Program” approved on 12 January, 2017 Government Meeting, the public organizations dealing with people’s issues are provided with the opportunity to participate in the development of project proposals for buildings and constructions by means of RA state budget. He proposed to apply to the Vanadzor municipality and submit an application stating that the “Equal Rights, Equal Opportunities” NGO, wishes to participate in the process of drafting proposals for buildings and constructions by means of the state budget.
Ms Anoush Aslanyan noted the importance of availability of separate reception rooms on the ground floor of public service buildings. In addition, Ms Anahit Mamikonyan mentioned that this proposal is worthy of acknowledgment; the presence of a separate room for customers on the ground floor of public service providers will allow the people with disabilities to present their issue to the relevant representatives of the given structure, and it will not be necessary to go upstairs to the other departments of the institution. She noted that the department will present proposals in this direction, within the framework of the department’s working programs.
Ms Anush Aslanyan mentioned that the presented problem is a temporary solution for the old building, which architectural structure still does not allow making it physically accessible to persons with disabilities. She also spoke about the buildings that are cultural values and where making changes is not allowed, including their adaptation to persons with disabilities.
Manvel Saribekyan and Anahit Mamikonyan expressed their gratitude to the project staff and expressed readiness to continue their cooperation after the end of the project.
