On the occasion of World Down Syndrome Day, Human Rights Defender of Armenia Arman Tatoyan has issued the following statement:

“March 21st is World Down Syndrome Day, the international day of the “suns”.

It is necessary to appreciate the dignity and potential of each person with disability and disallow isolation.

We need to teach children with Down Syndrome to live independently starting from a young age and ensure conditions for them to live a dignified life so that they are not cheated and discriminated in life.

The government needs to fully fulfill its obligations before persons with disabilities and, of course, persons with Down Syndrome. It is necessary to expand programs for community-based services and skills development in order to be able to discover the autonomy and potential for development of persons with Down Syndrome and persons with disabilities, for that matter.

Large-scale awareness-raising programs need to be implemented in order to break all stereotypes.

We need to create an inclusive society and an inclusive environment in which the dignity of every person is appreciated, regardless of disability, and in which there is guaranteed participation in decision-making.”