The Doha Declaration underscores Qatar’s commitment to inclusive policies that provide greater opportunities for people with disabilities.
Qatar Foundation for Social Work (QFSW) launched the Doha Declaration during the closing ceremony of the Doha International Conference on Disability and Development (DICDD) at the Qatar National Convention Centre.
The Doha Declaration on disability and development sets out an action-oriented approach aiming to serve as a reference point for world governments to integrate the rights of more than 1.5 billion PWD worldwide into their national development plans, including education, health, employment, and other relevant areas.
QFSW CEO Amal Abdullatif Al Mannai said:
The aim of the conference and the Doha Declaration is to leave a long-lasting imprint on international efforts to improve the rights of persons with disabilities. The launch of the Doha Declaration underscores Qatar’s commitment to promoting policies that will ensure persons with disabilities are provided with opportunities for involvement, engagement and contribution in their communities.’
Al Mannai also expressed hope that the outcomes of the conference will support the efforts of the United Nations and be a catalyst for change towards the adoption of policies that promote the rights of PWD.
We hope the Doha Declaration will serve as a roadmap for governments, showing that change through a combination of human rights and sustainable development goals is both desirable and achievable.’
The Doha Declaration was the culmination of two days of discussions on how the UN Sustainable Development Agenda can be fully integrated with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The conference, which was attended by more than 1,500 policymakers and practitioners, highlighted the main issues and challenges facing persons with disabilities, under the theme Leaving No One Behind.
Qatar has a long-standing commitment to protecting the rights of people with disabilities. In 2006, Qatar supported the UN’s Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, before signing it in 2008. HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, the Founder of QFSW, also initiated Al Noor Centre in 1998 and the Shafallah Center in 1999, establishing the Qatar Social Work Foundation as a civil society organisation under which Al Noor and the Shafallah operate.