Arab ministers meet in Bahrain, push for disability rights

TDT | Manama

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Amid the worsening crisis in Gaza, Arab ministers convened in Bahrain on Wednesday for the 44th Council of Arab Ministers of Social Affairs. The gathering focused on urgent social measures and disability-centered plans ahead of the 2025 Global Summit on Disability.

Bahrain’s Minister of Social Development, Osama bin Saleh Al Alawi, opened the proceedings by reaffirming the country’s commitment to advancing Arab cooperation:

“Hosting this council here reflects His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s vision and Bahrain’s drive to strengthen regional efforts,” he said.

Jordan’s Ambassador to Bahrain, Rami Saleh Wreikat Al Adwan, praised Bahrain for hosting the council, noting its importance amid ongoing violence in Gaza. Speaking to The Daily Tribune, he remarked:

“This forum comes at a critical moment, as brutal assaults on our Palestinian brothers in Gaza and the West Bank continue, affecting children, women, and the elderly. These grave acts violate international humanitarian law and moral principles, while the world stands by. This occasion is essential for Arab solidarity.”

Prince Mired Bin Ra’ad Bin Zeid Al Hussein, Chairman of Jordan’s Higher Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, called the 2025 summit a “golden opportunity” for the Arab world to lead global efforts on disability rights. He urged officials to endorse the Amman-Berlin Declaration, which mandates that 15% of development programmes be directed towards people with disabilities.

Dr. Nawaf Kabbara, President of the International Disability Alliance and the Arab Organisation of Persons with Disabilities, called for tangible action: “We seek clear, practical commitments that address real challenges and drive genuine progress.”

Egypt’s Minister of Social Solidarity, Dr. Maya Morsi, highlighted her country’s ongoing support for Gaza: “Through the Egyptian Red Crescent, we have delivered over 382,000 tonnes of food, relief items, and medical supplies using more than 26,000 lorries,” she said, emphasizing Egypt’s focus on the well-being of children amidst the conflict.

Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, Ahmed bin Suleiman Al Rajhi, urged attendees to build on previous achievements: “We must increase our efforts to advance Arab social development,” he said.

Kuwait’s Minister of Social Affairs, Dr. Amthal Hadi Al Huwaila, strongly condemned the actions in Palestine: “Kuwait categorically rejects the war crimes and mass violence committed by the Israeli occupation against vulnerable groups, including people with disabilities, women, and children.”

Ambassador Ahmed Al Turaifi, Chief of Arab and African Affairs at Bahrain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized Bahrain’s leadership in regional initiatives: “The 44th Council here in Bahrain demonstrates our commitment to strengthening Arab efforts across all sectors. The opening remarks reflected our shared determination to unite and address challenges—whether social, economic, or otherwise—across the Arab world,” he told The Daily Tribune.