By Sanaullah Ataullah
DOHA: Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, ministers and senior officials yesterday attended celebrations marking International Day of Persons with Disabilities at a huge public gathering at Marriott Hotel.
The Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Labour, the Ministry of Health and Al Noor Institute for the blind joined celebrations themed ‘We together’, along with civil society organisations.
The United Nations endorsed December 3 for the day to promote an understanding of people with disability and encourage support for their dignity, rights and well-being.
Minister of Public Health H E Abdullah bin Khalid Al Qahtani, Minister of Labour and Social Affairs H E Abdullah Saleh Mubarak Al Khulaifi, Minister of Information and Communications Technology H E Dr Hessa Sultan Al Jaber and senior officials of the ministries and representatives from several civil society organisations were present, along with a large number of children with disabilities. Children also got an opportunity to meet the Premier and other ministers and raise their concerns. They thanked the government and the leadership for support for the disabled by providing them with education and opportunities to integrate into society. They also urged the community to change its perspective towards people with disabilities.
“I call on civil society organisations to intensify efforts towards raising awareness about people with disabilities and provide their proper care from early stages,” said a young girl who holds a university degree and works with the Ministry of Interior.
“The state did not leave any stone unturned to support people with disabilities but the community still has doubts on their productivity and capabilities. They deserve equal opportunities. They are capable of being productive if they are properly rehabilitated, especially those having learning problems and suffering from psychological and chronic diseases,” she added.
In a speech, Najat Daham Al Abdullah, Director, Elderly and Persons with Disabilities Department, Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, highlighted government support for persons with disabilities.
A film on the role of national institutions supporting persons with disabilities was screened. The Premier was honoured by national entities that organized the event.
The Peninsula
