Kuwait rises to the challenge: Committee formed to advance rights of persons with disabilities
For the thousands of Kuwaitis living with disabilities, this is more than policy — it’s progress, and perhaps, the beginning of true transformation
The Council of Ministers, has taken a decisive step — one that reflects not just policy, but purpose — with a clear commitment to advancing the rights of persons with disabilities and honor international promises.
According to Al-Rai daily, the Council has given nod to the formation of a national committee tasked with implementing the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).
At the helm of this vital effort is Dr. Amthal Al-Huwailah, Minister of Social Affairs, Family and Childhood Affairs.
She will lead a diverse and experienced team drawn from 12 prominent government agencies, each bringing expertise and authority to the table.
From the Ministry of Health to the Civil Service Commission, the committee’s composition signals Kuwait’s seriousness.
Members are to be no less than Assistant Undersecretary in rank, ensuring the decisions made are influential and immediate.
But this isn’t just a symbolic gesture. The committee has a clearly defined mission:
- Design actionable plans to implement the CRPD.
- Oversee the execution of these plans with continuous evaluation.
- Develop and refine policies to ensure inclusivity and protection for persons with disabilities.
- Report back within 30 days on the steps taken — no room for delay.
The timing of this announcement is no coincidence. It comes just weeks after Kuwait’s active participation in the Third World Disability Summit, where nations gathered in solidarity, culminating in the powerful Amman-Berlin Declaration — a global call to action. Kuwait’s delegation returned from the summit energized, and this committee is their first tangible move.
Representatives from the Public Authority for the Disabled Affairs, the Public Authority for Housing Welfare, the Kuwait Municipality, and other key bodies are already aligning strategies.
Together, they aim not only to meet international standards but to exceed them, embedding disability rights into every facet of public service.
As one official put it, “This is more than fulfilling a commitment — it’s about building a Kuwait where no one is left behind.”
In the days ahead, all eyes will be on this committee as it drafts its first report and sets the foundation for a more inclusive society.
For the thousands of Kuwaitis living with disabilities, this is more than policy — it’s progress, and perhaps, the beginning of true transformation.
