KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Minister of Social Affairs Dr Amthal Al-Huwailah emphasized the necessity of providing the required policies and programs to ensure the rights of people with disabilities and their integration into societies and labor markets. Her statement came after her participation in a key panel discussion during the third Global Disability Summit in Berlin, Germany, which serves as a platform for shaping global strategies on disability inclusion.

The panel, organized by the Arab League and titled “Technology and Innovation: Supporting Independent Living for People with Disabilities,” was chaired by Haifa Abu Ghazaleh, the Assistant Secretary-General of the League. During the discussion, Dr Al-Huwailah highlighted critical issues around empowering and integrating individuals with disabilities, focusing on the formulation of policies that guarantee them full rights and equal opportunities in all aspects of life.

Dr Al-Huwailah’s speech at the summit set the stage for the panel, where she reiterated Kuwait’s commitment to the inclusion of people with disabilities in all societal aspects, including the labor market. She noted that effective integration requires policies that not only protect the rights of individuals with disabilities but also actively empower them, helping them thrive in both society and the workforce. Kuwait’s proactive approach aligns with global commitments such as the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

The country’s leadership in the GCC region has been particularly evident through its efforts in adopting policies that support the integration of persons with disabilities into the workforce. Dr Al-Huwailah acknowledged the progress made in countries like the UAE, Oman, and Saudi Arabia, which have passed laws ensuring equal opportunities for persons with disabilities, particularly in employment.

One of the standout initiatives highlighted by Dr Al-Huwailah was Kuwait’s “Partners for Their Employment” program, a collaboration between the government, private sector, and civil society. The initiative has successfully trained and employed individuals with disabilities in specialized job paths, and Dr Al-Huwailah described it as a “model to be emulated” in the region. This program has proven effective in bridging gaps in employment opportunities for people with disabilities, paving the way for a more inclusive workforce.

Despite these advancements, Dr Al-Huwailah acknowledged that challenges remain, particularly in addressing discrimination faced by individuals with disabilities in various sectors. She emphasized the need for continuous exchange of expertise and the development of innovative strategies to ensure the economic independence and social inclusion of people with disabilities. She also underscored the importance of ensuring that inclusive employment policies are developed and implemented in collaboration with international and regional partners.

The summit in Berlin, held from April 2 to April 3, also underscored the necessity of international cooperation in the area of disability inclusion. Discussions focused on creating a unified, global approach to ensure that individuals with disabilities are not left behind in society’s progress. Dr Al-Huwailah’s involvement, alongside Assistant Foreign Minister for Human Rights Affairs, Sheikha Jawaher Al-Sabah, and Kuwait’s Ambassador to Germany, Reem Al-Khaled, further solidified Kuwait’s role in advocating for disability rights on the global stage. — KUNA