Kuwait has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the rights of persons with disabilities by strengthening inclusive policies and implementing international standards that promote equality and equal opportunities.
Speaking at the opening of a workshop on the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Minister of Social Affairs, Family and Childhood Affairs Dr Amthal Al-Huwailah said Kuwait continues to develop policies that support the full participation of persons with disabilities in society.
The workshop was organised by the Supreme National Committee for the Implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in cooperation with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), alongside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Public Authority for Disability Affairs.
Al-Huwailah, who chairs the national committee, said the body coordinates efforts across government institutions and monitors Kuwait’s implementation of its commitments under the convention. She added that the workshop is designed to strengthen the capacity of government officials, improve the preparation of periodic reports and support the development of action plans that integrate disability issues into public policies.
The programme also introduces practical disability inclusion tools developed by ESCWA to help government agencies improve policies, procedures and methods for measuring progress toward greater inclusion.
ESCWA Social Affairs Officer Sumaya Al-Majzoub said the workshop aims to deepen government agencies’ understanding of the convention, its monitoring mechanisms and the reporting process required by the United Nations.
She said the initiative also focuses on helping institutions incorporate disability inclusion into national policies, ensuring equal access to education, healthcare, employment, public participation and digital services.
Al-Majzoub described protecting the rights of persons with disabilities as a global challenge that requires coordinated planning and stronger public awareness, adding that the workshop provides an opportunity to assess Kuwait’s progress and identify priorities for further reforms.
