Embracing a different ‘other’

Jordan, like the rest of the international community, celebrated on December 3 the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, on which occasion the Higher Council for the Affairs of Persons with Disabilities issued a statement calling for stricter compliance with the international convention pertaining to this segment of the population.

The statement also called for raising awareness of issues related to people with disabilities, including protection and promotion of their rights under the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Jordan has gone a long way in recognising and protecting the rights of these people, but admittedly, not to the extent that was hoped for under the convention that went into force on December 3, 2008. 

The convention defines persons with disabilities as those who have long-term physical or mental or intellectual or sensory impairment that hinders their full and effective participation in society. 

As such, priority should go to protecting them from all forms of discrimination, such as exclusion or restriction from certain rights. 

Affording equal opportunities to this group of people, including respect for the “evolving capacities” of children with disabilities to preserve and protect their identities, is always a priority.

The convention also called for special protection for women and girls with disabilities who may be subject to discrimination and, therefore, deserve special treatment.

Enabling persons with disabilities to participate in all aspects of life by providing them with access to the physical environment and transportation, and by removing all obstacles that could hinder them from enjoying their full rights is also a priority goal.

The public and private sectors were called upon to recruit a minimum number of persons with disabilities, something that has yet to be honoured. 

The rights of persons with disabilities are far reaching and comprehensive. Jordan succeeded in granting them many, but not all.

Neither the government nor the private sector accords this group of vulnerable people the minimum employment quota, or grants them all their rights under the convention, and that needs to be rectified.

There are those who work tirelessly to raise awareness about the plight of this disadvantaged group of people and the country has been steadily working to enable them to fully enjoy their economic, social, civil and political rights. 

Economic and financial constraints put a cap on the country’s ability to meet all its obligations to persons with disabilities, but the recognition of their rights is now well entrenched in policies and awareness is high.

Special tribute in this regard goes to HRH Prince Raad for his dedicated efforts to champion the right of people with disabilities for well over four decades with considerable success that won him international recognition and appreciation.