Press release

on the Side event on the theme: “Social Services as a Pathway to the Realisation of Human Rights of Mine Victims under the CRPD”

UNHQ, New York, 9 June 2026

The Permanent Mission of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations, in cooperation with and with the co-sponsorship of the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, organized a side event entitled “Social Services as a Pathway to the Realization of Human Rights of Mine Victims under the CRPD” on 9 June 2026, on the margins of the nineteenth session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (COSP19).

The event explored inclusive, accessible, community-based, and rights-oriented social services for mine victims, particularly mine survivors with disabilities, as a means of advancing the realization of their rights under the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). Discussions highlighted the integration of victim assistance into national disability inclusion systems, social protection frameworks, rehabilitation services, employment policies, and community support structures, while ensuring the meaningful participation of survivors and organizations of persons with disabilities.

Opening remarks were delivered by Mr. Elvin Ashrafzade, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the UN; Ms. Rita Lubis, Deputy Director of the UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS); and Ms. Heba Hagrass, Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities.

Moderated by Mr. Magsad Huseynov, First Secretary of the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the UN, the panel discussion and interactive segment featured interventions by Ms. Miyeon Kim, Chairperson of the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; H.E. Mr. Chhea Keo, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Cambodia to the UN; H.E. Mr. Thongphane Savanphet, Permanent Representative of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic to the UN; Mr. Ulvi Huseynov, Deputy Head of the Disability Policy Department of the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Republic of Azerbaijan; and Mr. Metin Şentürk, President of the World Disability Union.

The side event was attended by representatives of UN Member States, United Nations entities, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders.

During the opening segment and panel discussions, speakers highlighted the challenges faced by victims of landmines, explosive remnants of war, and other explosive devices. They emphasized that the CRPD is not merely an aspirational framework, but a vital international instrument for ensuring the effective inclusion and empowerment of mine victims and survivors. The Permanent Representatives of Cambodia and the Lao PDR shared national experiences and best practices, including measures undertaken to strengthen victim assistance and social inclusion.

A key message emerging from the discussion was that social services are not peripheral to victim assistance; rather, they are among the most effective means of translating the CRPD into tangible improvements in people's lives. Rehabilitation services, assistive technologies, psychosocial support, inclusive education, vocational training, employment opportunities, community-based services, and adequate social protection all play a critical role in enabling survivors to move beyond immediate recovery toward meaningful participation and inclusion in society.

The discussion also underscored the importance of international cooperation. Many mine-affected countries continue to face significant humanitarian, financial, and technical challenges. Participants stressed that no country should be left to address the long-term consequences of landmine contamination alone. Stronger partnerships among Member States, United Nations entities, mine action actors, donors, development partners, civil society, academia, and organizations of persons with disabilities are essential to delivering sustainable, people-centered solutions and ensuring that mine victims are fully included in all aspects of society.