According to the World
Bank, there are one billion people with disabilities worldwide. This represents
around 15% of the world's population, with developing nations having a higher
prevalence.
Since the Middle East
is home to an estimated 30 million people of determination, many of whom live
in challenging conditions, securing the rights of disabled people must be a top
concern, according to an editorial published in The National on Monday.
The UAE government has
the resources and has shown that it is committed to making a difference by
making it a top priority. The Special Olympics were held in Abu Dhabi in 2019
and featured more than 7,000 competitors from all over the world. The rights of
people of determination to employment and education are protected by extensive
statutes. According to a Dubai announcement, the Higher Committee to Protect
the Rights of People of Determination was established this year.
As a result of such
activities, it is evident that defending the rights of people with disabilities
around the globe is a crucial component of the Emirates' contemporary
character.
Additionally, other
Middle Eastern nations are developing. The National published a story this week
on a new public beach in Alexandria, Egypt, that is accessible to people who are
blind and visually challenged. Al Mandara offers free access to the water for
people in wheelchairs; floating ropes for swimmers to grab onto; increased
lifeguard supervision; and free whistles to draw attention.
Public beaches occupy a
large portion of the city's miles-long corniche, which is its most recognisable
feature. An all-too-often marginalised minority of Alexandrians will now have
easier access to the water, a crucial component of their identity, thanks to a
new facility for the blind and visually impaired.
"More inclusion in
daily activities, including work and recreation, is a crucial step in easing
the lives of disabled people anywhere on the globe." By doing so, barriers
are broken, solidarity is fostered, and individuals with disabilities are
reminded of the significance and presence of a group that is sometimes
undervalued, "the editorial note was added.
The 2018 Rights of
Persons with Disabilities law, which calls for non-discrimination, equality,
and respect, is the foundation for a national effort in Egypt to increase the
number of public recreation areas accessible to people with disabilities and to
support them with better services. The new beach is part of this effort.
Government support is
available. But this new project's involvement of civil society is one of its
most outstanding features. The National expressed Alexandrians' delight at the
new beach, writing, "We have been begging for this for several years and
thank God it has finally come to fruition."
Such organisations'
efforts and advocacy are essential. Now hundreds of disabled people may take
part in an activity that so many people take for granted. However, thousands of
healthy individuals will also understand how society can and must take action
to change things.
It's possible that some
regions of the Middle East lack the resources to support disabled people at the
same level as wealthier regions of the world do. However, the resilience of the
families, communities, and societies in the region—from the United Arab Emirates
to Egypt—can result in a new kind of assistance—one that results from taking
the initiative and strengthening communities. "Al Mandara is a prime
illustration," the Abu Dhabi-based newspaper declared.
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