Yemen reaffirms its commitment to providing care and support for individuals with disabilities.

Yemen Commits to Supporting Persons with Disabilities

The Republic of Yemen has reaffirmed its commitment to providing care and support for individuals with disabilities. This initiative reflects the nation’s belief in achieving equality among all citizens regarding rights and public duties.

Yemen’s Advocacy at the UN

During the 18th Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in New York, Yemen’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Abdullah Al-Saadi, emphasized Yemen’s early ratification of the convention. He noted that despite the challenging circumstances caused by the Houthi militia’s ongoing conflict, the Yemeni government continues to strive to meet its obligations under this important agreement.

Focus on Rehabilitation and Integration

Ambassador Al-Saadi highlighted the special attention the Fund for the Care and Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities, under the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor, provides. The fund aims to deliver necessary healthcare and educational services, ensuring a dignified life and promoting the integration of individuals with disabilities into society.

Ongoing Threats to Civilians

The ambassador pointed out that civilians in Yemen face increasing threats from Houthi attacks on residential areas. These assaults involve ballistic missiles, artillery, drones, landmines, and explosive devices, resulting in hundreds of casualties and long-term disabilities, particularly among women and children. The conflict has left profound economic, humanitarian, and psychological impacts on affected individuals and their families.

Preparing for the Global Summit on Social Development

As Yemen prepares for the Second Global Summit on Social Development in Qatar this November, Ambassador Al-Saadi stressed the importance of taking concrete steps to promote the full and effective inclusion of persons with disabilities in all aspects of development. He specifically mentioned the need for equitable access to education and decent work, the provision of assistive technologies, and the enhancement of social protection systems, particularly in least developed countries and those experiencing conflict.

Commitment to the 2030 Agenda

Ambassador Al-Saadi reiterated that empowering individuals with disabilities and ensuring their active participation is essential for achieving the social dimensions of the 2030 Agenda. He reaffirmed the Yemeni government’s unwavering commitment to enhancing efforts to support persons with disabilities and alleviate humanitarian suffering. The government aims to ensure that this vulnerable group receives necessary care and that development projects enhance their roles in society.

Addressing the Humanitarian Crisis in Palestine

The ambassador also addressed the catastrophic humanitarian situation faced by the Palestinian people due to the ongoing Israeli aggression in Gaza, which has lasted over 600 days. He condemned the severe human and material losses and the deliberate targeting of civilians, including women and children. This aggression has led to an unprecedented increase in the number of persons with disabilities, violating international law and humanitarian principles. Al-Saadi called on the international community to take immediate action to halt these crimes and hold perpetrators accountable. He urged for an immediate and sustainable ceasefire in Gaza, the lifting of the blockade, and the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid to the region.

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