King Abdullah II of Jordan addressed a disability summit in Germany, emphasizing Gaza’s challenges for disabled individuals amidst conflict. He urged global responsibility and collaboration to restore hope for affected groups. The summit aims to improve support for disabled people, culminating in the Amman-Berlin Declaration. Concerns about backlash against inclusion efforts were voiced, highlighting ongoing risks for persons with disabilities globally.
King Abdullah II of Jordan garnered acclaim at a recent disability summit held in Germany, where he highlighted the ongoing conflict in Gaza as a stark illustration of the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. The event, co-hosted by Jordan and Germany in Berlin, focused on aiding disabled people worldwide, particularly those in conflict zones. He emphasized the necessity of global responsibility in this regard, stating that the risks for disabled individuals in war-torn areas underscore the urgency of pursuing peace with justice.
Focusing specifically on Gaza, King Abdullah noted that it has the highest rate of child amputees per capita globally, alongside a significant number of injured adults. He called on attendees, particularly advocates for disability rights, to collaborate in restoring hope for Gazans and others at risk globally. The summit aims to enhance support for disabled individuals in poorer nations and will culminate in the Amman-Berlin Declaration, which seeks to prioritize this cause in aid programs.
At the summit, a German minister acknowledged Jordan’s notable efforts towards disability inclusion, while both Olaf Scholz, the outgoing German Chancellor, and Nawaf Kabbara, chair of the International Disability Alliance, voiced concerns regarding the backlash against inclusion initiatives. Kabbara remarked that diminishing budgets and increased anti-inclusion sentiments could jeopardize the lives of persons with disabilities, framing the issue of inclusion as critical for survival rather than mere visibility.
Chancellor Scholz also reinforced the importance of diversity, participation, and inclusion, stating that such principles are facing scrutiny and opposition in many nations. He commended Jordan as a regional leader in incorporating disabled individuals into society. King Abdullah further acknowledged the commitment made by over 80 Jordanian organizations from both the public and private sectors towards improving conditions for disabled persons, underlining the need for continued progress in areas such as travel accessibility, employment opportunities, and societal acceptance.
In summary, King Abdullah II’s discourse at the disability summit in Germany underscores the profound impact of conflict on disabled individuals, especially in Gaza. His call for global responsibility and the need for collaborative efforts to restore hope to those affected resonates strongly with the summit’s goals. As participants vow to enhance support for disability inclusion, the prevailing challenges highlighted by Kabbara and Scholz remind us that the pursuit of equality for individuals with disabilities remains an urgent and essential goal.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com
