Geneva/Information Office/ 04 March 2017/ The State of Qatar emphasized the need to work towards the integration of persons with disabilities in the community through the provision of appropriate support for them and their families.
Addressing an interactive panel discussion with the Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities in the course of the 34th session of the Human Rights Council, Second Secretary of Qatar's Permanent Mission to the UN Office in Geneva Noor Ibrahim Al Sada said that family represents the first source of support for all individuals, in particular persons with disabilities.
She noted that support for persons with disabilities is the fundamental guarantee to enable them have access to public services and engage in the community, noting that family cohesion is the essential human value that enables all individuals to live in safety, dignity and independence, and to participate in all aspects of life equally.
Based on that concept, the State of Qatar has worked through its concerned institutions to achieve the integration of persons with disabilities in the community by providing all appropriate support for them and for their families, she underlined.
She highlighted Law No. (2) of 2004 which stipulates that persons with disabilities enjoy, in addition to all other rights under other legislation, a number of special rights that include: education, rehabilitation, medical care, access to tools and equipment, transportation, and equipment that help them to learn, qualify, move. The law also stipulated to ensure the participation of persons with disabilities in decisions concerning them.
She also noted the big support provided by government and non-government institutions in the State of Qatar for persons with disabilities, pointing out to "Tamkeen" project which the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labor and Social Affairs launched recently to provide all kinds of support for people with special needs to establish suitable business ventures and help them to make it successful, and to provide support for productive families that have sons with disabilities.
The Second Secretary shed light on several projects launched by various ministries in the State to provide support for persons with disabilities in all aspects of life including technology and education.