Statement at the Third Committee of the eightieth session of the

 United Nations General Assembly

Interactive Dialogue with the Chair of the CRPD Committee & the Special Rapporteur

on persons with disabilities

Delivered by Mr. Shahriyar Hajiyev, First Secretary

23 October 2025

Madam Chair,

We thank the experts for their briefings, which highlighted both the developments and the persisting challenges in the realisation of human rights by persons with disabilities.

It should be underscored that measures in the areas of education, employment, social services, healthcare, public participation, and awareness-raising are essential to ensuring the enjoyment of human rights by persons with disabilities, as well as their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.

Recognising the importance of international protection mechanisms for persons with disabilities, Azerbaijan was among the first States to become a party to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and its Optional Protocol and regularly submits periodic reports on the implementation of measures taken in this regard. Most recently, the combined second and third periodic reports of Azerbaijan were reviewed by the CRPD Committee in March 2024. While acknowledging the importance of constructive dialogue with the CRPD Committee, Azerbaijan emphasises that the operational framework is the Convention itself. The Committee should refrain from using harmful political phraseology and should recognise and use the geographical names established by the competent national authorities.

Madam Chair,

The rehabilitation and social protection of persons with disabilities, as well as the creation of appropriate conditions for their full and effective participation in all areas of public life and the enjoyment of their human rights, remain among the primary objectives of the Government’s social policy. The Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities establishes a comprehensive protection framework, guided by the principles of inclusivity, integration, equity, and non-discrimination.

Madam Chair,

Azerbaijan has been facing a significant challenge in the post-conflict period arising from massive contamination of the liberated territories by mines and other explosives. The number of mine victims has reached 410 since November 2020, of whom 71 lost their lives and 339 suffered horrific injuries, most of them being civilians. In its Concluding Observations adopted in March 2024 concerning the combined second and third periodic reports of Azerbaijan, the CRPD Committee expressed concern over the extensive presence of landmines in Azerbaijan’s territory, assessing this problem under Article 11 - Situations of Risk and Humanitarian Emergencies. The General Comment of the CRPD Committee on this Article, currently under preparation, needs to address the nexus between the landmine threat and disability.   

Accountability, effective international cooperation and assistance in humanitarian demining efforts are vital for preventing related disability and supporting victims through rehabilitation and social inclusion measures.

Thank you.