MoSD and Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics Organize a National Dialogue Session on Disability Statistics in Palestine
Ramallah – The Ministry of Social Development, in coordination and cooperation with the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS), organized today a national dialogue session entitled: “Disability Statistics in Palestine: Current Challenges and a Future Vision for Inclusion.” The session comes as part of ongoing efforts to develop the national statistical system and promote the rights of persons with disabilities.
The session was attended by H.E. Dr. Samah Hamad, Minister of Social Development and Acting Minister of State for Relief Affairs; Mr. Sufian Abu Harb, Acting President of the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics; H.E. Mr. Taha Al-Irani, Deputy Minister of Social Development; Mr. Akram Al-Hafi, Assistant Deputy Minister for Family Care and Protection; Mr. Mahdi Hamdan, Advisor to the Minister of State for Relief Affairs; Mr. Salah Al-Lahham, Programme Manager at the World Food Programme (participating virtually); and Mr. Majdi Mar’i, Secretary-General of the Palestinian Union of Persons with Disabilities (participating virtually), in addition to representatives of governmental and non-governmental institutions and international partners.
Dr. Hamad opened the session, emphasizing that issues concerning persons with disabilities are a key priority on the Palestinian government’s agenda, and that their rights are fundamental and must be protected and strengthened. She noted that the ongoing aggression on the Gaza Strip has led to a significant increase in injuries and permanent disabilities, necessitating a comprehensive national response based on accurate data and clear planning.
She further stressed the importance of establishing an integrated national statistical system grounded in scientific principles, as a key tool for advocating rights, guiding resource allocation, and shaping social and developmental policies. She also highlighted a number of government measures aimed at enhancing services for persons with disabilities and expanding their coverage.
For his part, Mr. Sufian Abu Harb affirmed that disability is not a static condition, but a dynamic reality influenced by crises, conflicts, and socio-economic conditions. He emphasized that investing in accurate and comprehensive data is essential for developing fair policies and effective programmes that respond to real needs, noting that disability will be a priority area in the upcoming Population and Housing Census.
In turn, Mr. Salah Al-Lahham highlighted the strong partnership between the World Food Programme, the Ministry of Social Development, and PCBS, noting that persons with disabilities are a key target group in both humanitarian and development programmes. He reaffirmed WFP’s commitment to providing technical and financial support to the outcomes of the session.
In his intervention, Mr. Majdi Mar’i commended government efforts to strengthen the rights of persons with disabilities, stressing the importance of basing national plans and strategies on accurate data that reflects reality and promotes full inclusion across all sectors.
The session continued with a presentation delivered by Ms. Reham Mousa from PCBS, which addressed the current status of disability statistics in Palestine, the historical development of methodologies used, and national measurement tools aligned with international standards, in addition to key challenges and future directions for improving disability-related data.
The session also featured an interactive discussion and interventions from participants and representatives of relevant institutions, including Ms. Fidaa Tu’am. Discussions covered lessons learned from previous experiences, analysis of gaps and challenges related to reaching persons with diverse disabilities, and mechanisms to enhance their inclusion within the national statistical system, leading to practical recommendations to support development planning and decision-making.
The session was concluded by Ms. Fidaa Tu’am, Director General of Population and Social Statistics at PCBS, who emphasized the importance of consultative and participatory approaches among all national stakeholders to better serve persons with disabilities amid the current challenging conditions.
The session concluded with a reaffirmation of continued coordination and joint efforts among all partners to further develop disability statistics and enhance the inclusion of persons with disabilities in policies, programmes, and services, thereby promoting social justice and inclusive development in Palestine.
