Document Type : Original Article

Authors

• Anahit Chilingaryan ¹
• Mariam Antonyan ²

¹ Mental health and equality law, MA, Law Faculty, Russian-Armenian (Slavonic) University, Armenia

² International humanitarian Law, MA, Law Faculty, Russian-Armenian (Slavonic) University, Armenia

Abstract

Persons with psychosocial and intellectual disabilities are particularly vulnerable during emergencies, such as armed conflicts, primarily when confined in large institutions, making them entirely dependent on them. Adequate protection measures and treatment are necessary to ensure their safety during such situations. This article examines how the absence of community-based services for people with psychosocial and intellectual disabilities and their institutionalization affects their protection during armed conflicts. The conclusion drawn is that protection mechanisms for people with psychosocial and intellectual disabilities before, during, and after military conflict, as well as the implementation of International Humanitarian Law norms, should be based on the principles of autonomy, equality, and the rights of people with disabilities in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Furthermore, the lack of community-based policies may lead to the forced institutionalization of individuals with psychosocial and intellectual disabilities who are displaced.

Keywords

• Disability Rights
• People With Psychosocial And Intellectual Disabilities
• Rights-Based Approaches
• Human-Rights-Based Model
• Nagorno-Karabakh
• CRPD
• Deinstitutionalization
• Right To Live In A Community
• Right To Independent Living

Main Subjects

• Human Rights