The Ministry of Social Development Highlights the Reality of Persons with Disabilities in Palestine and the Violations Against Them
Ramallah, December 9, 2024 – The Ministry of Social Development held a conference today, Monday, on the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, to shed light on the realities of persons with disabilities in Palestine and the violations committed against them by the Israeli occupation. The event took place in Ramallah, with the participation of the Minister of Social Development, Dr. Samah Hamad, alongside several officials and representatives of international and local institutions.
In her speech, Dr. Hamad emphasized that the International Day of Persons with Disabilities comes amidst immense challenges due to the ongoing conflict, requiring collective responsibility to ensure protection and support for persons with disabilities and other marginalized groups. She noted that Gaza faces a severe shortage of aid, with less than 10% of basic needs entering the region.
Dr. Hamad also highlighted the importance of international action to provide financial and humanitarian support. She mentioned that financial assistance has been extended to families in Gaza, particularly by UNICEF, though the funds remain insufficient to meet the urgent needs of families in the region. She stressed the need for sustained financial support rather than one-time aid. The ministry has launched the "Saving Lives" program, which aims to provide 1,000 shekels monthly to each family in Gaza. She called on all institutions and partners to support this program. Additionally, she outlined the government's three-phase plan for addressing the situation in Gaza: relief, early recovery, and reconstruction, underlining the importance of providing job opportunities and economic empowerment for persons with disabilities.
Regarding the West Bank, Dr. Hamad elaborated on the ministry's role in protecting and empowering persons with disabilities, commending civil society as a key partner in delivering social protection. She concluded her speech by calling on local and international partners to unify efforts and assume their responsibilities toward persons with disabilities, praising the resilience and determination of Gaza's residents.
Mr. Arthur Ayyavazov, Head of Social Policy at UNICEF, stated in his speech that the situation of persons with disabilities in Palestine has worsened significantly due to the conflict. Between 20,000 to 30,000 new cases of disability have been recorded due to injuries, bringing the total in Gaza to 106,000 and in the West Bank to 6,500. He emphasized the need to strengthen disability-specific legislation, expand social support, and provide medical care, rehabilitation, and improved data collection for effective responses. He also called for rebuilding infrastructure and developing long-term strategies.
Mr. Majdi Mar’i, Secretary-General of the Palestinian Union of Persons with Disabilities, commended the efforts of the Ministry of Social Development and its partners in promoting the rights of persons with disabilities and aligning legislation with international conventions. He stated that the conflict in Gaza has exacerbated the challenges faced by persons with disabilities. He called for unified efforts to develop and implement comprehensive emergency and recovery plans that meet their needs, alongside enacting new legislation to address the challenges, aligning with Palestine's Vision 2030 for sustainable development and creating an inclusive society. Dr. Iyad Karnaz, Coordinator of the Disability Working Group in Gaza, highlighted the dire conditions faced by persons with disabilities in the region and the urgent need to enhance support and services.
During the discussion sessions, Mr. George Mansour of the Qader Foundation for Community Development presented a study on the impact of Israeli aggression on the rights of persons with disabilities in Gaza. Ms. Safiya Al-Ali, President of Nujum Al-Amal Association, discussed the challenges faced by women with disabilities. Ms. Maggie Sein from Humanity & Inclusion (HI) presented an overview of violations against children with disabilities in the West Bank and Gaza. Ms. Alaa Jamous, an international report preparation consultant, outlined key issues highlighted in the response to the List of Issues under the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
The conference also featured the presentation of the project “Enabling an Inclusive, Fair, and Comprehensive Response to Persons with Disabilities in Palestine” by Ms. Inas Marjieh of UN Women. Mr. Fadi Abed, a member of the Disability Working Group and Director of Atfaluna Society for the Deaf in Gaza, discussed the role of disability organizations in meeting the needs of persons with disabilities. Ms. Shatha Abu Sarour, Coordinator of the Palestinian Disability Coalition, addressed mechanisms for coordinating efforts nationally and internationally.
The event concluded with several key recommendations, notably: strengthening mechanisms for monitoring and documenting violations against persons with disabilities by the Israeli occupation, raising their voices in international forums, and enhancing coordination between official and international bodies to ensure their rights and needs in line with international conventions and national legislation.
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