Planning ministry hosts meeting on disability affairs

AMMAN — Ambassadors and representatives of donor countries discussed future projects with the Higher Council for the Affairs of Persons with Disabilities (HCD) at the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation on Wednesday.

The meeting was attended by HRH Prince Raad, the chief chamberlain, and HH Prince Mired, president of the HCD, as well as Planning and International Cooperation Minister Imad Fakhoury, the ministry said in a statement. 

Prince Mired stressed that Jordan continuously works to support people with disabilities and to help them integrate into society, since they are an important part of the community.

He noted the efforts to prepare the new draft law on disabilities, recently approved by the Cabinet, which he said was a milestone in keeping abreast of developments in the field.

The attendees were briefed on the principles on which the draft law was based and what it included to bring Jordan closer to international standards in the field of disability rights. 

Meanwhile, Fakhoury stressed His Majesty King Abdullah's directives to support and integrate people with disabilities, and the importance of supporting the council. 

He also emphasised the need to empower people with disabilities and to help them live independently and participate in all aspects of life. 

All facilities and services, like public transport, information and communication, must be made accessible to people with disabilities, the minister added. 

Fakhoury thanked the donor countries for their support to Jordan, in the field of disabilities and in general. 

Experts at the HCD gave a presentation on the council's achievements, strategic objectives and future plans and projects.

Ambassadors and representatives of donor countries and organisations commended the achievements and objectives of the council, noting that it has helped many people, especially women, children and the most vulnerable community members. 

They agreed to study the proposed projects, which will be followed up on by the Planning Ministry and the concerned donors, the ministry said.