Sana'a: A workshop on advocating for persons with disabilities in the employment process was held in Sana'a, organized on Monday by the Yemeni Association for the Care and Rehabilitation of the Blind in coordination with the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor and in cooperation with Handicap International. The workshop, attended by representatives from government bodies, the private sector, civil society organizations, and centers concerned with disability affairs, discussed ways to enhance the integration of persons with disabilities into society and empower them through employment opportunities to benefit from their abilities and capabilities across various fields and specializations.
According to Yemen News Agency, during the opening session, Chairman of the Association for the Care and Rehabilitation of the Blind, Abdulaziz Balhaj, stressed the importance of strengthening the rights of persons with disabilities by ensuring access to employment opportunities and social inclusion. He praised the efforts of relevant official bodies, the private sector, and organizations engaged in disability issues for their support and interaction with the rights and concerns of persons with disabilities.
Two working papers were presented during the workshop. The first, delivered by researcher Dr. Taysir Matar, addressed the relationship between the International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the national strategy, as well as the gap in implementation. The second paper, presented by Jamal Al-Rajawi, Director of Programs and Projects at the Fund for the Rehabilitation and Care of Persons with Disabilities, highlighted the abilities and potential of persons with disabilities in employment and the need to provide a suitable environment and equal opportunities for them in this field.
The participants approved the formation of a special committee to prepare and draft the workshop's recommendations and submit them to the relevant authorities, while assigning the association to follow up on their implementation to enhance employment opportunities for persons with disabilities, improve inclusive work environments, and expand vocational training and rehabilitation programs for this group.
They also emphasized the importance of activating laws and policies related to the rights of persons with disabilities and translating them into practical measures that contribute to empowering and integrating them into the labor market and society.