Kuwait: Jasour – News Desk
The Arab Republic of Egypt considers the rights of special needs individuals a significant humanitarian issue that it places great importance on. Egypt has always worked to support this cause on national, regional, and international levels, making continuous efforts to improve the conditions of special needs individuals and enhance their rights. These efforts have materialized in various measures and policies aimed at ensuring a dignified life and a better future for this important segment of society.
Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Egypt has sought to enhance the rights of special needs individuals on the international level by participating in the drafting of agreements and treaties that guarantee their rights and emphasize their importance. This effort culminated in 2007 with Egypt’s accession to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly. This convention is a cornerstone in the field of special needs rights, focusing on preventing discrimination against special needs individuals and providing equal opportunities in all areas. Egypt also joined the optional protocol to this convention in 2008. Through this commitment, Egypt stands out as a major supporter of human rights in the Arab region.
Egypt celebrates the International Day of Persons with Disabilities annually on December 3rd, under the auspices of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. This important event reflects the state’s great interest in the rights of special needs individuals. It serves as an occasion to raise societal awareness about the challenges faced by special needs individuals and the need to provide an inclusive environment that supports their participation in public life. Egypt’s celebration of this occasion includes various activities and events organized at different levels, whether by the government or civil organizations. These activities highlight the achievements made in the field of special needs rights and announce new initiatives and programs aimed at improving the lives of special needs individuals. Additionally, the state honors some special needs individuals and those who have made significant contributions to supporting their rights, acknowledging their active role.
Establishment of the National Council for Special Needs Individuals
During President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s tenure, the National Council for Special Needs Individuals was established in 2019. This council serves as the national authority overseeing the implementation and follow-up of policies and programs for special needs individuals in Egypt. It provides support and care for this group and raises awareness of their rights in various fields such as education, employment, health, and social participation. The council facilitates their access to public and private services and enhances their ability to participate effectively in society. It also monitors the implementation of relevant government policies and offers recommendations to improve the lives of special needs individuals.
Permanent Supreme Committee for Human Rights
Alongside the National Council for Special Needs Individuals, the Permanent Supreme Committee for Human Rights, chaired by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, actively monitors and protects the rights of special needs individuals. The committee has played a significant role in ensuring the state’s commitment to implementing international agreements and local legislation related to special needs rights. The committee works to ensure the implementation of measures that improve the living conditions of special needs individuals and contributes to establishing the principle of social justice by raising awareness of their issues.
In the same context, Egypt’s infrastructure has seen significant development over the past decade to facilitate the lives of special needs individuals. Many public and private facilities have been modified to be more accessible to special needs individuals. Public facilities such as stations, shopping centers, hospitals, and government buildings have been equipped with wheelchair ramps, and public transportation has been adapted to ease mobility for special needs individuals.
Improvement of Education and Healthcare
The state has also worked to improve the level of healthcare and education for special needs individuals by developing special schools and educational programs that support them in completing their education, as well as enhancing healthcare services for this group, providing medical treatment, and psychological and physical rehabilitation.
It’s worth noting a piece of Egyptian legislation that has been in place for about four decades, supporting the rights of special needs individuals and enhancing their participation in various work sectors. The Egyptian law mandates the employment of 5% of the workforce in government agencies and public institutions from among special needs individuals. This legislation is part of the efforts to enhance employment opportunities for special needs individuals and provide a fair working environment that ensures their rights to active participation in building society. The law aims to achieve full integration of special needs individuals into the labor market and enable them to obtain suitable job opportunities in fields that match their abilities and qualifications. It also works to reduce job discrimination and encourages private companies and institutions to open employment opportunities for special needs individuals. Through this legislation, Egypt demonstrates its deep commitment to achieving equality and providing opportunities for all without exception, contributing to building a more inclusive and balanced society.
Support for Athletes and Pathways to Discover Champions
Egypt is one of the leading countries in supporting special needs athletes, providing them with all forms of support and encouragement at various levels, whether through specialized training or providing suitable sports equipment. This support is reflected in the significant achievements at the Paralympic Games, where Egyptian athletes have won various medals in different sports, including the latest Paris 2024 Games, where Egypt won seven diverse medals. These achievements are a living example of the capabilities and potential of Egyptian athletes and reflect the state’s commitment to providing a suitable sports environment that helps them excel.
International Cooperation, Especially Between Egypt and Kuwait
I should mention Egypt’s welcoming cooperation with all countries in the field of special needs rights, particularly the brotherly State of Kuwait. Cooperation between countries in this field is one of the essential pillars in strengthening global efforts to achieve justice and equality for this group. Egypt and Kuwait exchange expertise and best practices in the field of special needs rights, and we aspire to develop this cooperation to include organizing joint events such as workshops aimed at raising awareness and achieving regional improvements in the lives of special needs individuals, as well as developing joint projects to enhance education and healthcare for special needs individuals and improve their employment opportunities.
In conclusion, thanks to its continuous efforts and evolving policies and legislation, Egypt remains at the forefront of countries striving to achieve special needs rights. These efforts contribute to establishing a more just and inclusive society. Such efforts confirm Egypt’s strong commitment to humanitarian principles and equality among all segments of society, ensuring their well-being in all fields, and its commitment to providing a better life and brighter future for special needs individuals.
- Ambassador Osama Shaltout, Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to the State of Kuwait
