NCHR celebrates International Day of Persons with Disabilities

AMMAN — The world celebrates the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3 each year, a global day established by the United Nations in 1992 to increase awareness of disability issues and raise understanding about the participation of persons with disabilities in political, economic, cultural, and other aspects of life.  

This year’s theme for the International Day is “Promoting the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future,” which highlights the need to address key challenges and obstacles they face and hinder their progress in various fields, according to a statement for The Jordan Times. 

Policymakers, advocates for the rights of persons with disabilities, and protectors against violence must support them, address their situations, and provide recommendations to empower them to actively contribute to building an integrated society and embedding the values of humanity in the community, the statement said.

In this context, the National Centre for Human Rights (NCHR) appreciates the efforts made to protect and promote the rights of persons with disabilities. 

The Constitution and its amendments of 1952 emphasise the principle of equality and non-discrimination and affirm the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities, enhancing their participation and inclusion in various aspects of life, the statement added. 

Jordan also ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, published in the Official Gazette in 2008. 

The Social Development Law of 2024 includes objectives for the Ministry of Social Development, which aim to improve the quality of life for citizens with disabilities by providing them with the best protection and care services in a participatory and just manner, ensuring their human dignity and preserving their privacy. 

Several regulations and instructions have been issued to govern the application of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Law of 2027.

In terms of policies, the Transport Strategy (2024–2028) has been issued and includes several projects serving persons with disabilities, such as the rapid bus project between Amman and Zarqa, the rapid bus project between Sweileh and Queen Alia International Airport, and the project to provide persons with disabilities with the necessary equipment in public transportation facilities and vehicles. 

The centre confirms that it monitors adherence to international agreements ratified by Jordan that pertain to the protection and promotion of the rights of persons with disabilities, as per its legal mandates, according to the statement.

On this occasion, the centre reiterated its recommendations outlined in its annual reports, which include activating the inclusion of persons with disabilities in developing inclusive policies in educational, political, and public life, providing environmental facilities and reasonable accommodations in the health and education sectors, workplaces, judicial institutions, places of worship, and recreational, sports, and tourist locations.