During a Forum on Inclusion and Equity, MoSD Reaffirms the Right of Persons with Disabilities to Access Services and Complaints Mechanisms
Ramallah – Dr. Samah Hamad, Minister of Social Development, reaffirmed the importance of ensuring equal access for women and men with disabilities to public services and complaints mechanisms, stressing that this is a fundamental right and an essential component of the national efforts to promote justice and accountability.
Her remarks came during her participation in the forum entitled "Enhancing Access of Women and Men with Disabilities to Complaints Mechanisms and Combating Corruption: Towards More Inclusive and Equitable Services," held in Ramallah and organized by the Palestinian Anti-Corruption Commission. The event was attended by Dr. Jamal Qash, Deputy Head of the Palestinian Anti-Corruption Commission; Dr. Mohammad Ammarna, representing the European Union Police and Rule of Law Mission for the Palestinian Territory (EUPOL COPPS); Mr. Majdi Mar'i, Secretary-General of the General Union of Palestinian Persons with Disabilities; as well as representatives of ministries, public institutions, civil society organizations, and associations working in the field of disability. Representing the Ministry of Social Development were Mr. Akram Al-Hafi, Assistant Deputy Minister for Social Care and Development; Mr. Ajaj Ajaj, Director General of the General Directorate for Persons with Disabilities; and a number of Ministry officials and staff.
The Minister noted that persons with disabilities continue to face increasing challenges under the exceptional circumstances affecting the Palestinian people, particularly in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. She emphasized that ensuring their access to services, rights, and complaints mechanisms requires sustained institutional action and genuine partnerships among governmental institutions, civil society organizations, and international partners.
Dr. Hamad further highlighted that the State of Palestine has made significant progress in promoting the rights of persons with disabilities and aligning national policies and procedures with relevant international conventions. She stressed the importance of moving beyond legislative and policy frameworks toward effective implementation and continuous improvement of services and procedures to ensure equal access for all without discrimination.
For his part, Mr. Majdi Mar'i, Secretary-General of the General Union of Palestinian Persons with Disabilities, underscored the importance of ensuring that persons with disabilities can access complaints mechanisms and public services without barriers. He also stressed the need to guarantee their meaningful participation in policies and decisions concerning their rights, in accordance with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).
Dr. Mohammad Ammarna, representing the European Union Police and Rule of Law Mission for the Palestinian Territory (EUPOL COPPS), emphasized that integrity, accountability, and the rule of law cannot be fully achieved unless all members of society have equal access to institutions, public services, and justice mechanisms. He noted that ensuring access to information, reporting mechanisms, and protection services for persons with disabilities is a fundamental element in building more transparent and inclusive institutions.
Dr. Jamal Qash, Deputy Head of the Palestinian Anti-Corruption Commission, also emphasized that Palestine has a progressive legislative framework that guarantees the rights of persons with disabilities. He stressed the importance of strengthening practical measures to ensure their equal access to the Commission’s services and complaints mechanisms, thereby enhancing their meaningful participation in public life and promoting the principles of integrity and transparency.
At the conclusion of the forum, participants discussed a number of recommendations and proposals aimed at improving access for women and men with disabilities to complaints mechanisms and public services, while strengthening the procedures and measures necessary to ensure their full and effective participation in public life, thereby advancing the principles of justice, equality, and non-discrimination.