Bahrain attaches great importance to continuing to promote the rights of people with disabilities, a top minister affirmed at a key conference in the US.
Policies and legislation enacted and implemented guarantee the dignity of the disadvantaged people and ensure their full integration into society, said Social Development Minister Osama Al Alawi.
He also reiterated Bahrain’s continued support for joint Arab action in this field.
Mr Al Alawi was speaking as he chaired a meeting of Arab ministers and heads of delegations held on the sidelines of the 18th session of the Conference of States parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, at the UN headquarters in New York.
He led the meeting, organised by the Arab League general secretariat, as chairman of the 44th session of the Council of Arab Ministers of Social Development Affairs.
The minister pointed to the effective role played by the UN in supporting disability issues and social development, praising the close and fruitful partnership between the organisation and Arab countries.
He stressed the importance of enhancing regional co-operation, exchanging expertise and successful practices, intensifying joint Arab efforts to support the rights of persons with disabilities, and developing comprehensive and sustainable responses, while ensuring the implementation of relevant international commitments.
Mr Al Alawi thanked the Arab League general secretariat, represented by its mission to the United Nations and the council’s technical secretariat, for organising the meeting.
He commended Arab efforts to promote and protect the rights of persons with disabilities.
He stressed that these efforts reflect the shared Arab commitment to promote the rights of persons with disabilities and co-ordinate relevant Arab positions in international forums, particularly in light of preparations for the Second World Summit for Social Development, in a manner that serves the issues of disability and social development at the Arab and international levels.
The summit is scheduled to be held in Qatar in November.
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