In 2015, 6.2 per cent of the population of Armenia was living with a disability, according to UNICEF. In 1995 the Government of Armenia took fundamental steps toward improved income security for this important group through the drafting of a new constitution that upholds the rights of persons with disabilities.
Article 37 of the Constitution of Armenia provides a strong mandate to the State, stipulating that "everyone shall have the right to social security during old age, disability, loss of bread-winner, unemployment and other cases prescribed by law." This constitutional provision reinforces the existing Law on the Social Protection of the Disabled, which was adopted by Armenian lawmakers in 1993. Article 22 of the Law on the Social Protection of the Disabled stipulates that "social protection of persons with disabilities shall be implemented through ... cash payments: pensions, allowances, targeted payments and compensations." It also guarantees, "Rehabilitation services, care and social services ... free prosthetic, orthopedic, rehabilitation and other assistive devices and technologies."
In 2012 lawmakers in Armenia drafted a new Law on the Rights, Protection and Social Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in compliance with the UN Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which the State ratified in 2010. The draft law will replace the Law on the Social Protection of the Disabled, transitioning toward social inclusion, based on the protection and respect of the basic human rights and dignity of persons with disabilities.
While policy makers in Armenia work to strengthen the legal framework for the protection of persons with disabilities the State provides a disability pension administered by the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs. However, its reach remains limited. Based on the constitutional provisions and advancing legal framework, the Government of Armenia now has a strong mandate to expand access to basic income security. Through legal advancements, lawmakers in Armenia have demonstrated strong political will to uphold equality and ensure the foundations for the creation of an inclusive national social protection floor.
Further Reading:
- Government of the Republic of Armenia (1995). Constitution of the Republic of Armenia. Accessed from: http://www.parliament.am/parliament.php?id=constitution&lang=eng#2 on February 21 2016.