Al-Hawila: Kuwait is keen on enhancing the rights of persons with disabilities and their full inclusion

Dr. Amthal Al-Huwail, Minister of Social Affairs, Labor, and Social Development and Chair of the National High Committee for the Implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, affirmed that Kuwait is committed to 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 statement was made by Dr. Al-Huwail in an interview with KUNA on Wednesday, 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 National High 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 noted 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, in addition to developing an institutional action plan to integrate disability issues into government policies and programs in accordance with international best practices.

Dr. Al-Huwail pointed out that the workshop also aims to introduce disability inclusion 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 the State of Kuwait and ESCWA and responds to the recommendations of the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, thereby 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 stated that 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 to help government entities integrate disability issues into policies and programs, ensuring that persons with disabilities enjoy their rights on an equal basis with others in areas such as education, health, employment, public life, and digital spaces.

She highlighted that the workshop’s importance stems from its role in assessing the current situation in the country, as well as its future plans to develop programs and policies that strengthen Kuwait’s fulfillment of its international commitments.

Minister Al-Huwail discussed with the management of the Human Building Association ways to cooperate in implementing social initiatives in partnership with specialized UN organizations and with support from the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development.

In a statement following the coordination meeting, Al-Huwail said that the Ministry and all its affiliated entities are fully prepared to mobilize their resources and expertise to build bridges of joint cooperation to achieve integration. She noted that this cooperation aims to enhance the services provided by the Ministry to all segments of society, based on the principles of empowerment and justice to ensure the sustainability of impact.

It noted that the meeting reviewed the details of initiatives that include providing accredited training programs and tailored rehabilitation projects for persons with disabilities, released individuals, the elderly, and orphans, highlighting that these programs primarily aim to empower these groups and transition them from the umbrella of social welfare programs to a stage of financial independence and professional and personal development.