Rabat: Jasour – News Desk
A recent report by the Ombudsman Institution for the year 2023 highlighted several important issues concerning special needs citizens. The report revealed some of the challenges that continue to hinder progress towards achieving the rights of special needs individuals in various fields, emphasizing the need for the education of special needs children.
The report stated that despite the launch of the National Inclusive Education Program more than five years ago, challenges persist, especially regarding the education of children with autism and intellectual disabilities. Although there has been some progress in adapting educational institutions, the implementation of the right to inclusive education for this group still faces significant delays.
The Ombudsman Institution’s report emphasized the right to family allowances, noting that some special needs individuals are deprived of family allowances because the parent did not declare the disability during their working period. This reflects a double standard, as the father benefits from allowances during his lifetime, but the children are deprived of them after his death or retirement.
In this context, the Ombudsman Institution recommended the effective activation of government programs related to special needs individuals and stressed the necessity of achieving equality and fairness in inclusive education. The report also highlighted the need to address infrastructure deficiencies and provide a suitable educational environment.
The institution called for enhanced serious engagement with the issues of special needs individuals and ensuring their rights across all administrative and social sectors. Additionally, it emphasized the need to strengthen partnerships between sectors to ensure the integration of efforts.
