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The Kingdom affirmed that it places utmost care for the rights of persons with disabilities based on its firm principles and values. This care has been manifested through the implementation of numerous legislative measures aimed at promoting and protecting their rights.
This came in the Kingdom’s speech at the opening of the 16th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, hosted by New York from June 13th to 15th, 2023. The speech was delivered by His Excellency Dr. Hisham bin Abdulrahman Al Al-Sheikh, Assistant President of the Human Rights Commission, in the presence of the Kingdom’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, Ambassador Dr. Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Al-Wasil.
Al Al-Sheikh explained that the legal framework for the rights of persons with disabilities in the Kingdom aligns with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. It guarantees their rights in the areas of education, healthcare, accessibility, non-discrimination, equality, and equal opportunities. He stated that the programs and initiatives of Vision 2030 include the protection and promotion of their rights, enabling them to access suitable employment opportunities and education that ensures their independence and integration as active members of society.
His Excellency, the Assistant President of the Human Rights Commission, pointed out that the measures and actions taken have contributed to an increase in the participation rate of persons with disabilities in the labor market from 7.7% in 2016 to 12.4% in 2022. The number of licensed facilities as inclusive environments for persons with disabilities reached 2,166 by the end of 2022.
He affirmed that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, despite the achievements made, remains determined to continue supporting and enhancing the rights of persons with disabilities and keeping up with the developments and advancements in this regard.
The opening of the 16th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities was attended by members of the Saudi delegation, as well as Dr. Sara Al-Faisal, a member of the Human Rights Commission, Dr. Manal Al-Maqoushi from the Authority for the Care of Persons with Disabilities, and Hashim Al-Ghalib
