In Video: Minister of Social Affairs and Labour: Kuwait is keen on strengthening the rights of persons with disabilities, implementing international conventions, and inclusive integration

Nada Abu Nasr: Dr. Amthal Al-Huwail, Minister of Social Affairs, Labor, and Social Development and Chair of the Supreme National Committee for the Implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, stated that Kuwait is keen on strengthening the rights of persons with disabilities through the implementation of international conventions that enshrine the principles of equality and equal opportunity and enhance comprehensive institutional inclusion. This came during her patronage and attendance at the opening of a specialized workshop on the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the preparation of an institutional action plan for their integration into society.

She added that the workshop is organized in collaboration between the Supreme National Committee and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Public Authority for Persons with Disabilities, and with the participation of representatives of government entities that are members of the National Committee.

She clarified that the Committee plays a pivotal role in coordinating efforts among government entities and monitoring the implementation of Kuwait’s obligations under the Convention, thereby enhancing joint institutional work and improving the quality of services provided to persons with disabilities.

She pointed out that the workshop aims to build the capacity of Committee members and government entities in applying the provisions of the Convention and enhancing skills in preparing periodic reports, as well as developing an institutional action plan to integrate disability issues into government policies and programs in accordance with international best practices.

Al-Huwail noted that the workshop also aims to introduce disability integration tools adopted by ESCWA, thereby assisting relevant government entities in developing their policies and procedures and measuring progress in integration issues. She emphasized that organizing the workshop falls within the framework of cooperation between Kuwait and ESCWA and responds to recommendations from the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, supporting national capacity building and enhancing the achievement of sustainable development goals.

For her part, Sumaya Al-Majdoub, Social Affairs Officer at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), affirmed that the workshop aims to enhance government entities’ knowledge of the provisions of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, its implementation mechanisms, monitoring, and the preparation of periodic reports to the relevant committee in Geneva.

Al-Majdoub said the workshop focuses on two main pillars: the first involves introducing the Convention and its monitoring and follow-up mechanisms, while the second focuses on preparing an institutional action plan that helps government entities integrate disability issues into policies and programs, ensuring that persons with disabilities enjoy their rights on an equal footing with others in areas such as education, health, employment, public life, and digital spaces.

She added that ESCWA works to provide practical tools that help governments prepare institutional plans to monitor the implementation of programs and policies related to persons with disabilities, thereby enhancing institutional performance and raising the efficiency of implementing international obligations.

She clarified that the file of rights of persons with disabilities represents a global challenge, requiring the development of institutional plans and community awareness programs, and emphasized the importance of joining international conventions, which contributes to the development of national legislation.