NEW YORK: Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its commitment to promoting and protecting the rights of persons with disabilities and enabling their effective and sustainable participation across all areas of development through an integrated legislative and institutional framework grounded in the principles of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).
The statement was delivered by Human Rights Commission Assistant President and head of the Saudi delegation Zuhair bin Mohammed Al-Zoman during the 19th Session of the Conference of States Parties to the CRPD (COSP19), held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.
Al-Zoman said the convention has become an integral part of the Kingdom’s legislative framework, noting that national efforts culminated in the enactment of the Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2023, in line with the Kingdom’s obligations under the convention.
He added that Saudi Vision 2030 has significantly enhanced the participation of persons with disabilities through rehabilitation and training programmes, incentives for workforce inclusion, and strengthened institutional support through the establishment and activation of the Authority for the Care of Persons with Disabilities, alongside the contributions of national entities, including the Human Rights Commission.
Al-Zoman also highlighted several initiatives launched by the Kingdom to empower persons with disabilities, most notably the Mowaamah Programme, which promotes inclusion, equal opportunities, and accessibility while assessing organisations’ compliance and contributing to improved quality of life and greater independence.
He noted that the employment rate of persons with disabilities increased from 7.7 percent in 2016 to 14.7 percent in 2025, surpassing the target of 13.4 percent. The achievement reflects the Kingdom’s progress in economic empowerment and labour market integration.
He further emphasised that advances in communications, technology, and digital transformation have improved equal access to services for persons with disabilities, underscoring the Kingdom’s commitment to leveraging technological capabilities and national achievements to enhance their independence and social participation.
In concluding the statement, the Saudi delegation reaffirmed the Kingdom’s determination to continue advancing the rights of persons with disabilities and ensuring their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.
