MoSD Holds Fourth Meeting of the Disability Thematic Working Group
Ramallah – The Ministry of Social Development convened the fourth meeting of the Disability Thematic Working Group on Monday at its headquarters in Ramallah, chaired by Deputy Minister Mr. Taha Irani, representing Minister Dr. Samah Hamad. The meeting was attended by Ms. Jane Waite, Programme Director at the World Food Programme (WFP) and Deputy Chair of the Committee, along with representatives from government ministries, national institutions, civil society organizations, and international partners.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Irani stressed the importance of strengthening coordination and partnerships among all stakeholders to ensure the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities and to respond effectively to their needs—particularly in light of the ongoing aggression in Gaza and the northern West Bank, which has resulted in a significant number of casualties and new disability cases. He emphasized the need to mainstream disability inclusion across all phases of humanitarian response and recovery planning.
The meeting’s agenda included a presentation on the key findings of a study on the situation of persons with disabilities in Gaza, conducted under the UNPRPD project in partnership with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and UN Women. Additionally, the Palestinian Red Crescent Society presented its interventions targeting persons with disabilities in Gaza and the northern West Bank.
Participants engaged in a general discussion on field interventions, coordination mechanisms, and partner roles, particularly in the context of wartime and post-crisis periods. The discussion aimed at identifying practical steps to strengthen collaboration and ensure the sustainability of services and support provided to persons with disabilities.
The meeting brought together representatives from the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Labor, Ministry of Local Government, General Union of Persons with Disabilities, Palestinian Disability Coalition, Disability Representatives Network – Gaza, Independent Commission for Human Rights, Palestinian Red Crescent Society, YMCA, QADER for Community Development, Palestinian Union of the Deaf, Bethlehem Arab Society for Rehabilitation, Stars of Hope Society, Humanity & Inclusion, European Union, UNICEF, OHCHR, World Health Organization (WHO), UNRWA, Save the Children, UN Women, Educaid, Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, International Labour Organization (ILO), and UNDP–SAWASYA.
The meeting concluded with a summary of key outcomes and agreed-upon next steps, which include holding the group’s meetings on a quarterly basis and intensifying national and international efforts to ensure unhindered access to essential services, protection, and empowerment for persons with disabilities.
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