Some ramps in Baku do not meet standards - OFFICIAL REPORT

Within the mandate of the Ombudsman's independent monitoring mechanism for monitoring and promoting the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, a monitoring was conducted regarding the accessibility of infrastructure for persons with disabilities in the center of Baku, and a report on the obtained results has been prepared.

The Ombudsman's Office disseminated information about this.

During the monitoring, the accessibility of the existing infrastructure was assessed by inspecting the Seaside National Park and two large commercial facilities located there, as well as the surroundings of the Maiden Tower, Fountains Square, Khagani Garden, and the areas around Azneft Square.

For this purpose, public transport, tourism, recreation, leisure and entertainment infrastructure, underground and overground passages, public restrooms, bus stops, elevators, traffic lights, as well as information boards installed for information provision and existing websites in that area were inspected. At the same time, issues such as whether the needs of persons with visual and hearing impairments, as well as persons with mobility impairments, were taken into account, were kept in focus.

A representative of a non-governmental organization representing persons with disabilities was also involved in the monitoring carried out by the members of the Ombudsman's independent monitoring group.

During the conducted monitoring, it was observed that while ramps existed in many facilities, some installed ramps and inclines did not comply with standards, creating certain difficulties for persons with disabilities to use the infrastructure independently.

The prepared report reflects the facts and photos obtained as a result of the monitoring, an analysis of existing legal obligations in this area, and a number of proposals.

In connection with the results of the monitoring, the Ombudsman sent letters to the relevant institutions.

It should be noted that the Ombudsman regularly puts forward recommendations regarding ensuring the accessibility of infrastructure facilities for persons with disabilities, and such monitoring activities are continuous.