Armenia is expanding the role of NGOs in supporting individuals with disabilities
11.02.2026,
11:25
The National Assembly of Armenia adopted amendments to the law "On the Rights of Persons with Disabilities" in the first reading at its session on Wednesday.
YEREVAN, February 11. /ARKA/. The National Assembly of Armenia adopted amendments to the law "On the Rights of Persons with Disabilities" in the first reading at its session on Wednesday.
Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Arsen Torosyan stated that the proposed legislative package allows for the involvement of non-governmental organizations in providing support to individuals with disabilities.
According to him, current legislation stipulates that such services are provided exclusively by the state.
"For example, we already have the Zinapa Foundation, which is ready to assume a certain amount of responsibility in terms of assistance. This concerns the provision of prosthetic limbs to participants in the 44-Day War. However, current legislation does not allow for this to be implemented in the current format, and we must provide for this possibility," Torosyan noted.
The minister emphasized that the adoption of the bills is driven by the need to improve the legal framework for the full realization of the rights of persons with disabilities and to prevent possible misinterpretations.
He also announced a proposal to introduce the concept of an "independent living center."
"We are already building a similar center using state budget funds. We hope that it will serve as a model for the future creation of similar centers, including those funded by non-state organizations. Furthermore, the possibility of transferring the management of such centers to non-governmental organizations will be discussed. This requires an appropriate regulatory framework," Torosyan said.
According to the minister, the legislative initiative also envisages a transition to a tripartite agreement for the provision of "personal assistant" services.
The second reading of the bill is scheduled for a special procedure.
Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Arsen Torosyan stated that the proposed legislative package allows for the involvement of non-governmental organizations in providing support to individuals with disabilities.
According to him, current legislation stipulates that such services are provided exclusively by the state.
"For example, we already have the Zinapa Foundation, which is ready to assume a certain amount of responsibility in terms of assistance. This concerns the provision of prosthetic limbs to participants in the 44-Day War. However, current legislation does not allow for this to be implemented in the current format, and we must provide for this possibility," Torosyan noted.
The minister emphasized that the adoption of the bills is driven by the need to improve the legal framework for the full realization of the rights of persons with disabilities and to prevent possible misinterpretations.
He also announced a proposal to introduce the concept of an "independent living center."
"We are already building a similar center using state budget funds. We hope that it will serve as a model for the future creation of similar centers, including those funded by non-state organizations. Furthermore, the possibility of transferring the management of such centers to non-governmental organizations will be discussed. This requires an appropriate regulatory framework," Torosyan said.
According to the minister, the legislative initiative also envisages a transition to a tripartite agreement for the provision of "personal assistant" services.
The second reading of the bill is scheduled for a special procedure.
