On the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, observed annually on 3 December, which would typically be a moment for celebration, the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States (Social Affairs Sector) draws attention to the devastating circumstances undermining this commemoration. In light of the inhumane and brutal actions perpetrated by Israel, the occupying power, which have escalated to unprecedented levels, the Gaza Strip is witnessing a significant and tragic rise in the number of martyrs and wounded. Consequently, there has been a sharp increase in the number of persons with disabilities, whose plight remains difficult to assess or categorise due to restricted access and limited intervention capacities. This dire reality is compounded by the challenging humanitarian conditions in the Republic of Lebanon and the ongoing escalation of events in the Syrian Arab Republic.
On this occasion, the General Secretariat emphasises the critical importance of sustained efforts to implement international conventions, treaties, and charters on human rights, particularly those focusing on the rights of persons with disabilities. This includes the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the related goals enshrined in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The implementation of the Second Arab Decade for Persons with Disabilities 2023-2032, endorsed by the Arab Summit under Resolution 846 at its 32nd session held in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2023, remains a key priority in this regard.
The General Secretariat reiterates its unwavering support for persons with disabilities in the Gaza Strip, Lebanon, Syria, and all regions experiencing armed conflict. It aspires to see stabilisation in these areas to facilitate meaningful interventions for their benefit. Furthermore, it calls upon institutions and organisations representing persons with disabilities in Arab countries, the International Disability Alliance, and all relevant UN agencies to collaborate with the League of Arab States in formulating comprehensive visions and interventions. These efforts aim to uphold the rights of persons with disabilities in Gaza and other affected regions across the Arab world.
The General Secretariat urges the World Summit of Persons with Disabilities, scheduled to convene in Berlin, Germany, on 2-3 April 2025, to consider the unique challenges faced by the Arab region which severely hinder the implementation of policies and programmes aligned with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
Moreover, the General Secretariat reaffirms its commitment to coordinating with all Arab countries, through the Council of Arab Ministers of Social Affairs, to monitor the implementation of policies and programmes across various social sectors related to the rights of persons with disabilities. This commitment aims to ensure that persons with disabilities can live within a framework of social justice, security, and societal harmony, thereby enhancing their integration into society. These efforts are rooted in pivotal Arab initiatives in this vital field.
