Joint press release between the United Nations in Kuwait and the Public Authority of the Disabled On the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities

International Disability Day is celebrated annually on 3 December to promote the full and equal participation of persons with disabilities and to take action to integrate persons with disabilities into all aspects of society and development. This year's theme is “Building Back Better: toward a disability-inclusive, accessible and sustainable post COVID-19 World”

"Persons with disabilities are greatly affected by the health, social and economic consequences of the global COVID-19 pandemic," said Dr. Tarik Elsheikh, Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General and Resident Coordinator to the State of Kuwait. In this context, this year's theme emphasizes the importance of strengthening our collective efforts for universal access to basic services, including immediate health and social care, education, digital infrastructure, available information, employment and other socio-cultural opportunities, to ensure the full involvement and inclusion of persons with disabilities in times of crisis and beyond."

Dr. Tarek Elsheikh added that: “the Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities praised some of the steps taken to prepare legislation, policies, programmes and the establishment of entities, as well as the introduction of a system to provide social protection for the promotion and protection of the rights of persons with disabilities, including:

The establishment of the National Council for Human Rights, in 2018, which we are looking forward to see starting its activities soon, as an encouraging effort to begin promoting and monitoring the implementation of the Convention and other international treaties; The inclusion of goals and targets relating to persons with disabilities in the National Development Plan (2015–2020) and the 2035 Vision development plan; and the adoption of a code of universal design and a national framework for web accessibility and the national framework to facilitate access to the internet. We also appreciate the efforts and effective role of the Public Authority of the Disabled through a human rights-based approach to disability, particularly, being among the most affected by the Coronavirus (COV-19) in the world.

"Children with disabilities are at greater risk of pandemic complications, yet they face many obstacles in accessing prevention measures and care, so all programmes must take into account different special needs," said Mr. Tayeb Adam, UNICEF's Representative in the Gulf. For example, awareness campaigns should include means of facilitating access to information for persons with disabilities, distance education programmes should include the special needs of students with disabilities and we must make sure that psychosocial support programmes are appropriate for everyone."

Ms. Hideko Hadzialic, UNDP Resident Representative, added: “UNDP is encouraged by the Government of Kuwait's effort for the inclusion of people with disabilities, as the State Party to the International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The PADA, the General Secretariat for the Supreme Council for Planning and Development and civil society have been our long-standing partners. Our Kuwait partners achieved a few milestones with “Kuwait Digital Accessibility Framework” on web accessibility guidelines and strategy, as well as Kuwait Universal Design Code, which was developed in consultation with various stakeholders and adopted by the Cabinet. This International Day brings us together to reflect and act on further supporting and empowering people with disabilities so that they can optimize their abilities and talent in Kuwait”.

From her side, Dr. Shafiqa Al-Awadhi, Director General of the Public Authority for the Disabled (PADA) stressed: that "The State of Kuwait pays special attention to persons with disabilities and believes in their role and abilities, as the interest of communities in the rights of persons with disabilities is one of the basic criteria for measuring the level of civilization of the country, adding that Kuwait is keen to provide all rehabilitation, training and educational services to various groups of disabilities in order to be able to integrate into the society. One of the main objectives of this day is to advocate for raising awareness on the inclusion of persons with disabilities in political, economic and cultural life.”

“Dr. Shafiqa added that: “The State of Kuwait is keen to implement the law No. 2010/8 on the rights of persons with disabilities, through the joint cooperation between PADA and all ministries and government bodies and civil. For the Ministry of Interior to implement the laws such as activating penalties related to the exploitation of disabled parking spaces and to reduce the violations related to persons with disabilities rights in cooperation with friends of people with disabilities from all sectors. We also work closely with the Ministry of Education to explore the possibilities of children returning to the classes and centers, as well as ways to guarantee that the qualification outcomes are in accordance with the needs of the labor market. In addition to the need of implementing the law with regard to the obligation for companies to employ people with disabilities in the civil and oil sectors." Al-Awadhi expressed her appreciation to all the children on their international day and addressed them with greetings and praise because they are a source of pride for Kuwait, stressing to continue to provide the best means of care for this group dear to our hearts, wishing them a decent life. Under the leadership of His Highness the of the Amir of the State of Kuwait Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Crown Prince, Sheikh Mashal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and His Highness The Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Sabah"

• Of the one billion population of persons with disabilities, 80% live in developing countries.
• An estimated 46% of older people aged 60 years and over are people with disabilities.
• One in every five women is likely to experience disability in her life, while one in every ten children is a child with a disability.

The International Day for Persons with Disabilities is a world day dedicated by the United Nations since 1992 to the category of people with disabilities to express their hopes and aspirations, to achieve their goals and ensuring their rights.