ME-ALLIANCE LEGAL UPDATE
Decision No. (180) of 2024 issued by the Head of the Community Development Authority regarding the approval of the policy for the protection of persons with disabilities (People of Determination) in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi
The United Arab Emirates joined the international Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2010. The UAE has also shown great attention to people of determination by enacting laws that clarify their rights within society, protect them from neglect, exploitation, or abuse, and provide a suitable environment through the establishment of care and rehabilitation centers, the provision of inclusive education, equal employment opportunities, and other services. In this context, Decision No. (180) of 2024, issued by the Chairman of the Department of Community Development in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, regarding the adoption of the Protection Policy for People of Determination.
• The decision defines a person with a disability as “any individual who has a long-term impairment in their physical, sensory, mental, communicative, educational, or psychological abilities, which prevents their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others. If the impairment is short-term, the disability is considered temporary.” Therefore, a disability may be permanent or temporary, and in all cases, this policy applies regardless of the duration of the disability.
• Purpose of the Policy:
1.The lack of a comprehensive and coordinated mechanism for protecting persons with disabilities across social sectors and beyond.
2.The insufficient experience of those working in the field of disability protection.
3.The failure to simplify information for persons with disabilities to understand their rights clearly and fully, as well as the services available to them.
4.The inability of persons of determination to access complaint and reporting channels or protection services.
5.The lack of public awareness regarding how to properly interact with persons of determination.
• Scope of Policy Application:
This policy applies to all persons with disabilities, including citizens, residents, and visitors within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
Objectives of the Policy:
1.To prevent and facilitate the early detection of cases of abuse, exploitation, neglect, and discrimination based on disability.
2.To enhance the competence of personnel working in the field of protection for persons of determination.
3. To raise awareness among persons of determination about their right to protection from any form of abuse, exploitation, or discrimination.
4.To make protection a shared societal responsibility.
• Guiding Principles of the Policy:
1.Disability should be integrated into all protection measures and mechanisms provided to community members by removing barriers and promoting the principles of universal design and accessibility. This will ensure that these measures are more inclusive and responsive to the needs of persons with disabilities. Additionally, targeted and specialized measures and interventions should be provided to address the specific needs and challenges faced by individuals with disabilities.
2.Persons with disabilities and the organizations representing them must be actively engaged in the process of developing, reviewing, and evaluating related programs and services. Their voices should be heard and incorporated into decision-making processes to ensure that their rights and needs are properly addressed.
3.The needs of women and girls with disabilities must be considered in all protection measures and mechanisms, in line with the principles set out by international conventions. These conventions emphasize that women and girls with disabilities are more vulnerable to abuse, discrimination, and exploitation both within and outside the home, and are subject to various forms of discrimination.
To view the official decision>>سياسة حماية أصحاب الهمم.pdf
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