The Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor, in partnership with UNICEF, held a consultative workshop titled “The Voice of Children and Adolescents with Disabilities” in observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The event took place at the Training and Professional Development Center for Persons with Disabilities and War Victims, known as “Qudrat,” in Damascus. The workshop aimed to amplify the voices of children and adolescents with disabilities and to identify practical strategies for enhancing inclusion and strengthening support programs across relevant sectors.
Government Efforts Supporting the Disabled
Minister of Social Affairs and Labor Hind Qabawat emphasized the ministry’s continued work to improve the services provided to persons with disabilities and ensure their easy access. She explained that progress in this field requires a comprehensive national plan involving multiple ministries to guarantee the rights of persons with disabilities and facilitate their integration into society so they can participate actively in its development.
Fuad Issa, advisor to the Minister of Sports and Youth, affirmed the ministry’s readiness to offer all forms of support to persons with disabilities and develop their physical and recreational capabilities. He noted such programs enables their participation in marathons and championships and achieve distinguished results. The Qudrat Center itself was rehabilitated last September after being closed for fourteen years, marking a renewed commitment to specialized services for persons with disabilities and victims of war.
UNICEF Supports Syrian Children
Zainab Adam, Deputy Representative of UNICEF in Syria, commended the Syrian government for its efforts to enhance the rights and welfare of children with disabilities. She affirmed that comprehensive services for these children are a right, not an option, regardless of their individual abilities. Adam reiterated UNICEF’s commitment to supporting all children in Syria so they may enjoy a more inclusive and equitable future.
Khawla al-Hanna, director of the Qudrat Center, explained the center provides vocational and scientific training for persons with disabilities, in addition to psychological and social support, physical therapy, and specialized activities for children implemented in cooperation with government bodies, civil associations, and organizations concerned with social affairs.
Speaking to Levant24, psychological consultant Hala Saqbaani, director of the psychological support team at “Happiness Again,” stated that the purpose of the workshop is to raise community awareness regarding the needs of persons with disabilities aged between twelve and sixteen years, enabling them to become active and productive individuals through improved integration into schools and social life.
These activities form part of ongoing national efforts to protect the rights of persons with disabilities and ensure that they enjoy equal opportunities across all fields. Recently, the government introduced several supportive measures, including the Ministry of Youth and Sports’ decision to exempt persons with disabilities from all fees and subscriptions related to attending activities and events, thus ensuring broader and more equitable access.
