Doha, Qatar: Qatar has outlined a series of legislative, digital, health and social initiatives aimed at strengthening the rights, inclusion and participation of persons with disabilities, building on its commitments under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs shared information on its X account yesterdaty in comprehensive infographics. A key development was the enactment of Law No. (22) of 2025 on Persons with Disabilities, which reinforces principles of equality and non-discrimination while promoting empowerment and protection of the rights of persons with disabilities.
The country has also launched “Yusr,” a national digital platform designed to help persons with disabilities and their families access relevant services and information in line with digital accessibility standards. According to the presentation, 94% of government websites have achieved digital accessibility, while Qatar ranks fifth globally in the Digital Accessibility Rights Evaluation Index.
In healthcare, Qatar has launched the “Qatar Creates Vision” initiative to expand access to eye-care services worldwide, benefiting millions of adults and children. The country is also developing health and rehabilitation services, including prosthetic limbs, orthotic devices, assistive technologies and specialised rehabilitation programmes.
Qatar has taken steps to strengthen inclusion for people with hearing and visual disabilities. The “Sukoon” application digitises the Unified Arabic Sign Language Dictionary, supporting greater digital inclusion for deaf persons.
The country has also introduced the “Accessible Qatar” initiative.
This provides information on the accessibility of public and tourist facilities across the country, helping persons with disabilities make informed decisions about the places and services they use.
In sports, culture and recreation, national programmes such as “For All Abilities” are supporting participation by persons with disabilities, including through the preparation of facilities and activities designed to accommodate different abilities.
At the international level, Qatar introduced and sponsored the draft resolution adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on June 16, 2025, declaring June 27 as the International Day of Deafblindness. Qatar has also contributed to the UN’s adoption of April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day.
The country is further preparing to host the Fourth Global Disability Summit in Doha in 2028, in cooperation with the International Disability Alliance.
Under Qatar’s international obligations, Qatar ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities on May 26, 2008. The convention provides an international framework for ensuring that persons with disabilities enjoy their rights and freedoms on an equal basis with others and participate fully in society without discrimination.
Under the convention, Qatar is committed to ensuring equality and non-discrimination, as well as accessibility to buildings, transportation, information and communications technologies and public services. The framework also protects the right to access justice and equality before the law, including recognition of legal capacity and the provision of appropriate support and accommodations.
Other obligations cover inclusive education, healthcare, employment, social protection and adequate living standards. These include equal opportunities and pay at work, reasonable workplace accommodations, access to housing and social assistance, and the highest attainable standard of health without discrimination.
