The policies to empower People of Determination and ensure their integration into society remain an integral part of the government’s vision, the UAE Minister of
Community Development Her Excellency Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid told the 15th session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) in mid-June in New York
The UAE is working to harmonise policies and legislation in line with the International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The UAE also participated on the sidelines in an event titled, Disability in Pandemics and Crises: Technology Adaptation and Economic Empowerment.
She says the UAE promotes the rights of People of Determination with federal and local laws that prioritise access to accommodation and ensure their needs are taken care of. These include the Response Policy to the Empowerment of People of Determination in Emergencies, Crises & Disasters, National Policy for Persons with Autism Spectrum Disorder, the Electronic Access Policy for People of Determination, and other policies and laws aligned with international legislation to support and empower People of Determination.
She underscored the important role the National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) plays as an independent entity in the country that operates by the internationally adopted Paris Principles. The NHRI, she said, works towards advancing the rights of People of Determination and improving their quality of life. The UAE government, she says, believes in international cooperation as a solid foundation to advance social development. The UAE has invested in Expo 2020 Dubai and organised events supporting the rights of People of Determination.
National database
The Ministry of Community Development has built a database that includes accurate demographic and social and educational data of more than 30,000 People of Determination in the country. The UAE has issued identification cards that enable them to access benefits, services and facilities. During the pandemic, the minister noted, this database helped identify the needs and geographical distribution of People of Determination.
The UAE, in cooperation with the League of the Arab States and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), hosted an event – Disability Classification in Arab Countries: Towards a Common Vision- wherein she presented her experiences in formulating a unified national classification and its impact on services for People of Determination, before and during the pandemic.
She underscored the UAE’s keenness and appreciation for efforts to bolster cooperation, integration and partnership with the League of Arab States, ESCWA, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and the Executive Office of the Council of Arab Ministers of Social Affairs to support and empower People of Determination.
She remarked: “One of the challenges facing service providers is to ensure comprehensive access, in light of the crises, pandemics and disasters, especially for People of Determination. The UAE government has long realised the importance of communication and technology in advancing the development, empowering People of Determination both socially and economically, and supporting their access to information.’’ The technological empowerment includes the ‘Kheta’ electronic platform, ‘My Family with Me’ application, and ‘Nemo’, the early detection application.