KABUL, Afghanistan — The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) marked the International Day of Persons with Disabilities by emphasizing the vital role individuals with disabilities play in achieving sustainable development in Afghanistan.
According to UNAMA, an estimated 1.5 million people in Afghanistan live with severe disabilities, many of them caused by explosive remnants of war, including landmines and other munitions. Children are among the most affected, the organization said.
This year’s theme for the International Day of Persons with Disabilities is “Transformative Solutions for Inclusive Development: The Role of Innovation in Fuelling an Accessible and Equitable World.”
“Inclusive societies thrive when persons with disabilities are involved in decision-making and social leadership,” UNAMA said in a statement, underscoring the potential of individuals with disabilities to drive positive change in Afghanistan despite the significant challenges they face.
Barriers and discrimination
The U.N. highlighted the obstacles faced by persons with disabilities in Afghanistan, including limited access to education, employment, healthcare, and social participation. Women and girls with disabilities face compounded challenges, including structural discrimination and heightened risks of violence and abuse.
UNAMA’s findings indicate that women with disabilities are more vulnerable to domestic violence, emotional abuse, and sexual harassment. However, many are unable to report such incidents due to dependency on their abusers for care or fear of social isolation.
In its statement, UNAMA called on the Taliban, civil society, and other stakeholders to take concrete steps to support individuals with disabilities, including:
Fully implementing Afghanistan’s laws on disability rights, including the Law on Rights and Privileges of Persons with Disabilities.
Strengthening partnerships with civil society organizations to empower individuals with disabilities.
Removing structural barriers that hinder participation, especially for women and girls with disabilities.
Promoting inclusive policies to ensure access to essential services without discrimination.
UNAMA urged all relevant parties to amplify the voices of people with disabilities and take decisive action to ensure their full participation in building a sustainable and inclusive future for Afghanistan.
