BERLIN, Germany, April 2: Kuwait's Minister of Social Affairs, Family, and Childhood Affairs, Dr. Amthal Al-Huwailah, emphasized on Wednesday the importance of integrating people with special needs into the job market. She described this as a challenge that requires practical and effective rules and regulations to achieve the noble goal of inclusion.

Speaking at the third Global Disability Summit (GDS) in Berlin, which runs for two days, Dr. Al-Huwailah affirmed that Article 27 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities highlights the right of people with disabilities to work on an equal basis with others. This convention serves as a key framework for governments in supporting the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the workforce.

Dr. Al-Huwailah commended the efforts of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in recognizing the rights of individuals with disabilities in employment. She specifically mentioned Kuwait’s "Partners for Their Employment" initiative, which fosters collaboration between the public and private sectors to provide opportunities for people with disabilities. This initiative has successfully facilitated the employment and training of individuals with special needs in specialized fields, showcasing Kuwait’s dedication to supporting inclusive employment.

During her speech at a symposium titled "Inclusive Employment in the Arab Region: Challenges and Proposed Policies," Dr. Al-Huwailah underscored the importance of policies that support the integration of persons with disabilities into the labor market while tackling the challenges of discrimination. She also praised the efforts of GCC countries, including the UAE, Oman, and Saudi Arabia, for their policies that ensure equal opportunities for people with disabilities in the workplace.

The Minister expressed hope that the summit would result in concrete recommendations to further develop policies and foster international cooperation. This would help ensure more effective participation of persons with disabilities in the global labor market and promote their economic independence and social integration.

The Higher Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities noted that the primary aim of the Global Disability Summit in Berlin is to unite global efforts to integrate individuals with disabilities into their communities. The summit brings together governments, disability organizations, the private sector, academia, and civil society organizations to discuss progress and address challenges in the field.