The world celebrates the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3rd each year, a global day established by the United Nations in 1992 to increase awareness of disability issues and raise understanding about the participation of persons with disabilities in political, economic, cultural, and other aspects of life. This year’s theme for the International Day is “Promoting the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future,” which highlights the need to address the key challenges and obstacles they face that hinder their progress in various fields. Policymakers, advocates for the rights of persons with disabilities, and protectors against violence must support them, address their situations, and provide recommendations to empower them to actively contribute to building an integrated society and embedding the values of humanity in the community.
In this context, the National Center for Human Rights appreciates the efforts made to protect and promote the rights of persons with disabilities. The Jordanian Constitution and its amendments of 1952 emphasize the principle of equality and non-discrimination and affirm the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities, enhancing their participation and inclusion in various aspects of life. Jordan also ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, published in the Official Gazette in 2008. The Social Development Law of 2024 includes objectives for the Ministry of Social Development, which aim to improve the quality of life for citizens with disabilities by providing them with the best protection and care services in a participatory and just manner, ensuring their human dignity and preserving their privacy. Similarly, several regulations and instructions have been issued to govern the application of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Law of 2027.
In terms of policies, the Transport Strategy (2024–2028) has been issued and includes several projects serving persons with disabilities, such as the rapid bus project between Amman and Zarqa, the rapid bus project between Sweileh and Queen Alia International Airport, and the project to provide persons with disabilities with the necessary equipment in public transportation facilities and vehicles. The center confirms that it monitors adherence to international agreements ratified by Jordan that pertain to the protection and promotion of the rights of persons with disabilities, as per its legal mandates.
On this occasion, the center reiterates its recommendations outlined in its annual reports, which include the following:
Activating the inclusion of persons with disabilities in developing and implementing inclusive policies in education, political, and public life.
Providing environmental facilities and reasonable accommodations in the health and education sectors, workplaces, judicial institutions, places of worship, and recreational, sports, and tourist locations.
Giving special attention to playgrounds in public parks by equipping them with games designed for children with disabilities so they can exercise their right to play.
Building the capacities of service providers and staff in social care institutions in the areas of rights for persons with disabilities, international standards, and national legislation.
Handling cases of psychological disorders, providing behavioral therapy, and managing anger from a human rights perspective for beneficiaries of these services.
