King Abdullah II Addresses Disability Challenges at Summit in Germany

King Abdullah II of Jordan emphasized at a German disability summit the challenges faced by disabled individuals in conflict areas like Gaza, stating it as a ‘painful example.’ He called for global responsibility in supporting affected populations. The summit, which concluded with an Amman-Berlin Declaration, aims to enhance aid for the disabled, with warnings about increasing anti-inclusion sentiments globally.

King Abdullah II of Jordan garnered applause during a disability summit in Germany by highlighting the plight of individuals with disabilities in conflict zones like Gaza. He emphasized that the ongoing war in Gaza exemplifies how such conflicts hinder the pursuit of equal rights. Co-hosted by Jordan and Germany, the summit aimed to address the challenges faced by disabled populations globally, particularly in war-affected regions.

In his remarks, King Abdullah underscored the global responsibility towards those affected by conflicts, stating, “especially important to those living in conflict zones.” He remarked on the alarming statistics from Gaza, noting it has the highest incidence of child amputees per capita worldwide alongside a significant number of injured adults. He called upon advocates of disability rights to unite in restoring hope to individuals in Gaza and other areas facing similar dangers.

The summit concluded with the Amman-Berlin Declaration, which aims to elevate the focus on aiding people with disabilities in economically disadvantaged countries. A German minister expressed admiration for Jordan’s initiatives in this sector, confirming that Jordan’s contributions have positively impressed the co-hosts. Meanwhile, Olaf Scholz, the outgoing German Chancellor, alongside Nawaf Kabbara, the Lebanese chair of the International Disability Alliance, warned about the rising challenges against inclusion initiatives amid budget cuts and anti-inclusion sentiments, particularly highlighting political opposition to diversity and inclusion programs.

In this context, Mr. Kabbara noted, “This is not just about participation or visibility. For millions of people with disabilities, inclusion is a matter of life and death.” Mr. Scholz reinforced the need for ongoing commitment to diversity, stating that the principles of inclusion are under threat globally. King Abdullah reiterated Jordan’s commitment to improving the lives of disabled individuals, acknowledging “much more work to do” in ensuring access to opportunities and societal acceptance.

King Abdullah II’s speech at the disability summit illustrated the urgent need for global responsibility towards individuals with disabilities, particularly in conflict zones like Gaza. The summit’s outcomes, including the Amman-Berlin Declaration, aim to enhance support for disabled individuals in impoverished regions. As advocates warned of declining support for inclusion initiatives globally, the commitment from Jordan stands as a beacon of hope for improving the rights and lives of people with disabilities.

Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com