The Law Respect Culture Office at the General Secretariat of His Highness Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Interior, has released an audio recording for visually-impaired persons under the title: “Disabled People-Their Rights and Our Duties.” The recording addresses the main legal rights of disabled people according to local legislation and international conventions approved by the state, in addition to the legal liabilities imposed by the legislator on individuals. Releasing this recording is a measure to guarantee the rights of disabled people so they can adhere to laws, uphold their responsibilities, and learn how to blend with others.
Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Salah Obeid Al Ghoul, Director of Law Respect Culture Office, the General Secretariat of His Highness Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Interior, said: “Disabilities and the situation of disabled people is receiving increased attention in the country, as it has a great impact on society’s development and its higher ethical obligations. Disabled care is no longer just simply charitable financial aid; it has become a global humanitarian matter with a noble humanitarian message.”
“Providing care and protection to them is a matter of sympathy and fulfilling rights stipulated by revealed religions and provided by countries’ constitutions. It is a public case that addresses the rights of disabled people in order for them to have a normal life similar to any other human being who enjoys the rights that define their humanity such as: work, security, equality, and equal opportunity,” he added.
Lieutenant Colonel Al Ghoul called for cooperation and joint efforts among governmental entities and civil society institutions to enact laws and regulations and make all scientific and practical efforts to guarantee the integration of disabled people into society. He stressed the position of individuals regardless of their abilities or capabilities to allow disabled people to realize their full rights and help to fulfill their needs. “Disability, no matter how significant it is, can never become a hindrance to people to contribute in work and national development,” he said.
“The Strategy office, which is based on spreading awareness and enhancing legal education, covers all categories of society without exceptions,” he added.
“Since its start, the office has shown a special interest in this segment of society and has treated this issue as a priority, as those people deserve care and should be educated as any other category within the Emirati society. In this regard, the office has recently added Braille language to its educational releases. This is considered to be a first step among a series of activities to constantly provide care to this group,” he added.
Al Ghoul stated: “The typical image of the disabled has for a long time been depicted as people who live on the margins of society; persons who are prisoners inside the confines of their disability and within the boundary of society’s perspective. However, this viewpoint is gradually changing as disabled people have started to take up initiatives, depend on themselves, and contribute with their creativity in all fields.”
The director of the Law Respect Culture Office said that the audio recording will help the visually-impaired to increase their awareness as a group that is able to contribute to society, so they can enjoy the rights and freedoms that others do. “This will empower the law respect culture in a civilized manner among disabled people,” he said.
“The release includes an explanation on the major legal rights of disabled people, such as equality, non-discrimination, legal aid at all events, f