ShareBERLIN: Kuwait’s commitment to enhancing the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities was prominently showcased during its active participation in the Third Global Disability Summit, held in Berlin, Germany. This event brought together international leaders, experts, and advocates to discuss and advance efforts towards integrating persons with disabilities into society and the workforce.
On the sidelines of the summit, Kuwait’s Assistant Foreign Minister for Human Rights, Ambassador Jawaher Ibrahim Duaij Al-Sabah, held several crucial meetings aimed at fostering stronger international collaboration. One notable meeting was with Ola Abu Al-Ghaib, the Manager of the Technical Secretariat of the Global Disability Fund. The two discussed strategies for enhancing bilateral relations, particularly in the areas of human rights and disability rights. Ambassador Sheikha Jawaher emphasized Kuwait’s ongoing commitment to improving access and services for persons with disabilities, noting the importance of collaborative initiatives to develop better infrastructure and support systems.
She also highlighted the contributions of Kuwait’s humanitarian work globally, notably through the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, which has provided development support worldwide. Abu Ghiyab acknowledged Kuwait’s leadership in this area and expressed appreciation for the country’s significant role in advancing human rights initiatives.
At the summit, Sheikha Jawaher also met with senior German officials, including Gesa Bräutigam, Director of the Human Rights and Global Health Department at the German Foreign Ministry. Their discussions centered on enhancing Kuwait-Germany relations in the field of human rights, particularly as both countries serve on the United Nations Human Rights Council.
Parallel to these diplomatic engagements, Kuwait’s Minister of Social Affairs Dr Amthal Al-Huwailah met with her Italian counterpart Alessandra Locatelli. Their discussions focused on mutual initiatives to empower persons with disabilities and integrate them more fully into society. Al-Huwailah underscored Kuwait’s efforts in this regard, highlighting programs that foster inclusion and provide specialized services for individuals with disabilities. Both ministers agreed on the importance of strengthening ties between Kuwait and Italy, particularly in areas concerning disability care and social development.
Al-Huwailah later met with the UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Heba Hagrass. The meeting addressed the specific challenges faced by women with disabilities. The minister emphasized the importance of considering gender, disability, and economic conditions, which exacerbate the difficulties of this group.
She also mentioned that the discussions included the significance of improving the quality of services and programs provided by government bodies to ensure they are more responsive and suitable for the needs of people with disabilities, while maintaining a balance between material support and qualitative support that focuses on empowerment and encouraging active participation in society.
Dr Al-Huwailah expressed her appreciation for Dr Hagrass’s willingness to offer technical support and cooperation in training and preparing workers in the disability sector according to the latest international standards, as well as in reviewing relevant country reports submitted to the UN committees. She reiterated Kuwait’s commitment to strengthening cooperation and coordination with UN agencies to benefit from international expertise in this vital field. — KUNA
