联合国西亚经济社会委员会-关于制定阿拉伯地区国家残疾战略的政策简报（英）-2022.4-9页_776kb

Summary of MAPPING NATIONAL DISABLE STRATEGIES in the Arab Region

Core Content

This document provides an overview of the current status of national disability strategies and policies in the Arab region, with a focus on their alignment with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). It outlines the progress made by Arab States in adopting these strategies, identifies key strengths and weaknesses, and highlights thematic areas for improvement.

Main Points

• CRPD Ratification Status: Most Arab States have ratified the CRPD, except Lebanon, which has signed but not yet ratified it due to political delays.
• National Disability Strategies: 13 out of 22 Arab States have released national disability strategies, either general or specialized. These strategies aim to align national frameworks with the CRPD and ensure the rights of persons with disabilities are protected.
• Thematic Strategies: Some countries have developed strategies focused on specific areas such as inclusive education, health, digital inclusion, and independent living.
• Methodology: The mapping was based on a desk review of available strategies, country reports, and a questionnaire sent to the Intersessional Group of Experts on Disability (IGED), with 9 out of 18 States responding.
• Key Findings: While there is a growing commitment to a human rights-based approach, implementation and evaluation mechanisms need strengthening. Political instability and conflict hinder the development and updating of these strategies.

Key Information

1. Commitment to a Human Rights Approach

• National disability strategies in the Arab region reflect an increasing commitment to a human rights-based approach.
• These strategies support legislative changes and the establishment of monitoring mechanisms, such as national human rights institutions or disability committees.
• The CRPD Committee has encouraged more inclusive and participatory processes in strategy development.

2. Implementation and Evaluation Gaps

• Several national strategies have expired, and some countries are working on updating them.
• The CRPD Committee has consistently recommended improving implementation and evaluation mechanisms.
• Political instability in countries like Libya and Sudan hinders the development and implementation of effective disability strategies.

3. Inclusive Education Opportunities

• There is a need to move from segregated education systems to inclusive environments within mainstream schooling.
• Jordan has launched a 10-year Strategy for Inclusive Education (2019–2029), which includes legislative changes, awareness-raising, accessibility, and capacity-building.
• Other countries can learn from Jordan's phased approach and focus on similar initiatives.

4. Inclusive Health Opportunities

• Inclusive health strategies are needed to ensure equal access to healthcare for all persons with disabilities, especially women and those in rural areas.
• Training for medical staff on the human rights approach to disability is essential.
• Community-based inclusive development (CBID) is a promising alternative to the centralized medical model, focusing on a people-centred, holistic approach.

5. Accessibility and Digital Inclusion

• Despite legislative progress, gaps remain in ensuring accessibility of both physical and digital environments.
• Accessibility is not only a human right but also has social and economic benefits, including market expansion and innovation.
• Countries like Qatar have implemented e-accessibility policies, which can serve as a model for others.

6. Remaining Challenges

• Conflict and Instability: Countries affected by conflict, such as Yemen, face significant challenges in updating or implementing their disability strategies.
• Lack of Inclusive Disaster Planning: Disability-inclusive approaches are needed in disaster and emergency responses, as highlighted by the CRPD Committee and the experience of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Institutional Gaps: Some countries have not yet developed national disability strategies, providing an opportunity to learn from their peers and adapt to local needs.

Conclusion

The Arab region has made notable progress in adopting national disability strategies and policies aligned with the CRPD. However, challenges remain, particularly in conflict-affected areas and in the implementation of inclusive disaster, health, and education strategies. Strengthening implementation mechanisms, promoting inclusive and participatory processes, and investing in accessibility and digital inclusion are key areas for future development.