Epress.am News from Armenia
“They say, according to the constitutions of all democratic states (it seems also in the Republic of Armenia), ‘Everyone has the right to education (RA Constitution Article 39)’,” reads an open letter published on Facebook by Artak Beglaryan.
Beglaryan had applied for study at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) diplomatic school; however, the young man was rejected because he is blind.
Doesn’t the decision of rejection by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs governing board and the minister himself violate two articles of the constitution at once? asks the author in the letter.
“At first, most likely assuming that one who cannot see is an inanimate object and not a rational living soul, they reasoned that perhaps because of an inability to read books, I cannot study at the diplomatic school (don’t they know that there’s a Braille system that allows blind people to read by touch or there are audio programs which read electronic books? By the way, both of these possibilities are given to blind students in educational institutions of developed countries), then they say perhaps because of the impossibility of attendance, probably thinking the loss of vision automatically leads to the loss of the ability to walk or move (by the way, in many countries, necessary conditions are created so blind people move independently or the universities provide a guide). Dear MFA team, I invite you to (a) a stroll in [Republic] square, (b) a marathon race, (c) to a game of tag, (d) mountain climbing, at your own chosen peak,” writes Beglaryan.
Returning to the topic of the MFA governing board, and its decision to even refuse his application, Beglaryan notes that he has none of the diseases or illnesses named on the list of those which hinder the carrying out of duties and responsibilities in service (i.e. employment) defined by a Feb. 13, 2002 RA government decision.
Beglaryan also republished the response he received from MFA press spokesperson Tigran Balayan:
“Dear Artak Beglaryan’s statement, no matter how understandable and touching on a human level, has given rise to various interpretations. The truth is the following: There are no technical features in the newly established MFA diplomatic school for providing equal conditions to citizens with limited capabilities not only in education, but also in the admission and the final written exams.”
However, according to Artak Beglaryan, they didn’t even look into the fact that he doesn’t need special conditions. Beglaryan notes that he simply needs a computer or the possibility of responding orally during exams, and that he is willing to provide the computer himself.
“Dear Mr. Balayan speaks of the touching aspect of the statement; that which I never expect, to pave the road for the processed in my life and education through pity. In this case, it’s superfluous to be affected; instead, we must think why the law was violated and who is responsible for that,” concludes Beglaryan.
Speaking to Epress.am, Beglaryan expressed hope that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, nevertheless, will review its decision, but “he won’t take such actions until he is forced to.”
According to the young man, if the MFA doesn’t take action, he might, perhaps, appeal to the Human Rights Defender’s office.