MLSD heads the meeting of the Committee for the Care of Persons with Disabilities

25-07-2020

His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Mr Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, chaired the first meeting of the Supreme Committee for the Care of Persons with Disabilities in its new formation, constituted under Ministerial Resolution No. (5) of 2020, which was held via videoconference. The committee brings together representatives of government entities, the private sector and civil‑society organisations, including the Ministries of Labour and Social Development, Foreign Affairs, Education, Housing, Health, and Public Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning; the Supreme Council for Women; the Ministry of Information Affairs; the Civil Service Bureau; the Ministry of Youth and Sports Affairs; the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry; the Bahrain Paralympic Committee; the Bahrain Association for Parents and Friends of the Disabled; and the Bahrain Mobility International Centre. At the outset, Humaidan conveyed profound gratitude to His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister, for his sustained commitment to people with disabilities and for issuing the resolution that re‑established the committee, thereby reinforcing the principles of effective social partnership. He welcomed the members, underscoring their collective responsibility to ease the daily lives of people with disabilities throughout the Kingdom, promote their full integration into society and enable their active contribution to national development. He also emphasised the committee’s mandate to enhance care, rehabilitation, education and training services for individuals across the spectrum of disabilities, reflecting the Government’s unwavering dedication to this valued segment of citizens. The committee approved priority actions for the coming two years, foremost of which is the adoption of an advanced and practical work plan that will align the efforts of all state bodies within a single national framework, create opportunities, and set clear priorities for every matter concerning people with disabilities. Members underlined the importance of encouraging civil‑society initiatives that operate within a coherent national vision and integrate effectively with government agencies in serving the Kingdom of Bahrain and its citizens with disabilities. They also agreed on formally using the term “people of determination” in reference to this group, reflecting society’s appreciation of their resilience and positive contribution. In addition, the meeting examined the existing terms and procedures governing the licensing, establishment and operation of rehabilitation centres, institutes, care homes, shelters and workshops for people with disabilities. Members reviewed proposals for updating these regulatory requirements to ensure continuous improvement in service quality and full protection of the rights guaranteed to this segment of society by the state and the community.