KUWAIT: Kuwait has concluded the first training course of the “Empowering and Building Abilities of Disabled Persons in the Gulf Cooperation Council” project, held under the patronage of the Minister of Social Affairs, Dr Amthal Al-Huwailah. Rihab Bouresli, a member of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and chairwoman of the Kuwait Society for the Guardians of the Disabled, highlighted the significance of the course, which was organized by the Arab Organization for the Disabled People (AODP) in partnership with the Arab League and supported by the Arab Gulf Program for Development (AGFUND).

She noted that the discussions would open new horizons and approaches to enhance services and care for people with disabilities in Kuwait. This includes establishing a responsive social system capable of monitoring, documenting, reporting, and engaging with international organizations to advocate for the rights of disabled individuals. Bouresli expressed pride in Kuwait being selected as the launchpad for the project’s courses, acknowledging the country’s status and leadership in supporting people with disabilities.

She also thanked Minister Al-Huwailah, Ambassador Sheikha Jawaher Al-Sabah, Assistant Foreign Minister for Human Rights Affairs, and “Mother of the Disabled” Sheikha Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah for their support. She commended the contributions of the Ministry of Social Affairs, the Public Authority for the Disabled, the National Diwan for Human Rights, various NGOs, and the media for their efforts in ensuring the course’s success and advocating for disability issues.

Jahda Abou Khalil, Director of the Arab Organization for the Disabled, remarked that the successful turnout and engagement during the course reflect the maturity and leadership of Kuwaiti society in addressing the needs of disabled individuals.

She explained that this course is part of a broader initiative involving six training sessions across the Gulf to raise awareness about disability issues and align with the sustainable development goals set by the United Nations. It also aims to spotlight the upcoming third World Summit on Disability, scheduled for April 2025 in Jordan. Abou Khalil emphasized the importance of awareness and participation in this global event and the need to gather insights from NGOs and activists regarding agenda topics for the summit. She expressed gratitude to the State of Kuwait and the Kuwait Society for the Guardians of the Disabled for their role in organizing the training course.

Activist Joury Al-Azmi from the Training Gate International noted that the course was rich in information and facilitated engaging discussions about disability issues. Al-Azmi added that it provided participants with insights into international protection mechanisms and how to monitor and document adherence to international treaties related to disabled persons’ rights. Ibrahim Al-Kandary, Director of the Harek Association for Independent Living for Mobility Disabled, praised the course’s topics, especially those related to report writing and the introduction of international organizations that support disabled individuals.

He highlighted the importance of such courses in fostering relationships and partnerships to better understand the challenges faced by disabled individuals. The course featured lectures from experts, including Emad Al-Wartani, who focuses on strengthening the Disability Movement at the International Disability Alliance, and Simone Alonia, Regional Advisor for Women’s Participation Affairs at the United Nations, alongside Rihab Bouresli. — KUNA