Geneva:Dr. Ali Majed Al Noaimi, a member of the Council of Representatives, participated in a session titled "Inclusive Democracies Advancing the Rights of Persons with Disabilities" at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Global Parliamentary Conference on Human Rights in Geneva.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Dr. Al Noaimi emphasized Bahrain's ongoing commitment to empowering and including persons with disabilities, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. He credited the support and follow-up of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for prioritizing these efforts as part of the country's comprehensive development process.
The session addressed the need for full participation of persons with disabilities in political and public life, highlighting the role of parliaments in implementing the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. It also covered parliamentary and international initiatives aimed at protecting their rights and removing barriers to participation.
Dr. Al Noaimi detailed Bahrain's legislative and institutional framework, including its ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities under Law No. (22) of 2011, and Law No. (74) of 2006 concerning the Care, Rehabilitation, and Employment of Persons with Disabilities. He stressed the importance of translating legislative protections into practical measures, such as improving access to facilities and services, developing digital systems, and expanding education and employment opportunities.
He further noted the legislative authority's role in developing laws, reviewing public policies, and monitoring their implementation. Dr. Al Noaimi emphasized the importance of parliamentary institutions leading by example in accessibility and inclusion, and highlighted the work of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the UN Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities in enhancing legislative and oversight efforts.