The Ministry of Social Development and Family participated in the work of the Second National Forum organized by the National Human Rights Committee over two days at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel titled “Human Rights of Persons with Disabilities: Protection, Empowerment.” Alongside the forum, there was an accompanying exhibition containing the works, activities, and events of organizations for people with disabilities, companies, and institutions concerned with them in the State of Qatar.

Her Excellency Sheikha Sheikha bint Jassim Al Thani - Assistant Undersecretary for Family Affairs, began her speech with someone saying: “My ears do not hear, but here my heart hears and sees,” adding: For the sake of these people with hearts that see, hear and dream, - we are with you today - hoping to participate with you in achieving their simple dreams in this forum.

She stressed that we all believe people with disabilities deserve a decent life with equal rights and equal opportunities with the rest of society. This goal requires all of us to commit to and make a joint effort to achieve the highest and loftiest goals.

She explained that the Ministry of Social Development in the State of Qatar paid great attention to people with disabilities, as it worked to ensure their participation in all aspects of comprehensive development, out of our belief in the integral role of people with disabilities in developing society, as they are effective partners in building the future of Qatar.

She pointed out that this forum is evidence of the State of Qatar’s commitment to the rights of persons with disabilities at the local and international levels, and one of the most prominent of these efforts was Qatar’s presidency of the 42nd session of the Council of Arab Ministers of Social Affairs, during which it launched important initiatives, such as the Arab Decade for Persons with Disabilities 2023-2032 and the Arab classification for persons with disabilities.