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Qatar Foundation for Social Work participated in the 35th session of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, held at the UN headquarters in Geneva.The participation is part of Qatar Social Work's endeavor to enhance civil society participation in international mechanisms concerning the rights of persons with disabilities, and its capacity as an organisation that holds consultative status at the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC),The Foundation's participation saw an active presence in the session's proceedings, which included the opening session and the sessions dedicated to discussing the State of Qatar, alongside the Chief Executive Officer delivering a statement during the special session for civil society organizations.CEO of the Qatar Social Work, Rashid Mohammed Al Hamda Al Nuaimi stated that the Foundation's participation in the session reflects the importance of civil society presence in international forums concerned with the rights of persons with disabilities, and enhances opportunities for communication and expertise exchange with relevant international bodies and organizations.He added that this participation allows the Foundation to expand fields of international cooperation and partnerships, and to benefit from specialized expertise and practices, thereby supporting the role of civil society in advocacy and capacity-building related to the rights of persons with disabilities and UN mechanisms.On the sidelines of the session, Al Nuaimi met with HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva, Dr. Hind Abdulrahman Al Muftah.During the meeting, they reviewed the participation of the Foundation and its affiliated centers in the Human Rights Council's proceedings, the organization of side events in cooperation with the Permanent Mission, and its role in topics and draft resolution projects related to its fields of work.In the same context, the Foundation's delegation discussed with President of the International Disability Alliance and President of the Arab Organization of Persons with Disabilities, Dr. Nawaf Kabbara opportunities for cooperation in supporting the role of civil society in the field of disability, capacity building in advocacy and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and UN mechanisms, alongside enhancing cooperation opportunities and exchanging expertise and best practices.The Foundation continues its efforts to strengthen international partnerships and activate the role of civil society in supporting the rights of persons with disabilities through participation in international forums and developing fields of cooperation and capacity building. 

Qatar Chamber has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering persons with disabilities in the labor market, strengthening the private sector's role in driving Qatar's inclusive and sustainable development. HE Chairman of Qatar Chamber Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Al-Thani said this approach is gaining increasing importance, particularly as Qatar prepares to host the Fourth Global Disability Summit 2028 in Doha. He commended Qatar's ongoing efforts to advance the rights of persons with disabilities, empower them, and promote their effective inclusion across all areas of society. HE Sheikh Khalifa emphasized that hosting the 2028 Summit reflects Qatar's firm commitment to promoting equal opportunities and reinforces its position as a leading global partner in human development. By helping align international visions and launching high-impact initiatives, Qatar seeks to safeguard dignity and transform disability-related challenges into meaningful opportunities for investment in human capital at both the national and international levels, he said. His Excellency stressed that the Qatari private sector is a key partner in efforts to integrate and empower persons with disabilities, citing the importance of establishing an integrated ecosystem that extends beyond hiring. This includes comprehensive training and rehabilitation, skills development, workplace accessibility, human resources readiness, and ongoing support to ensure long-term, sustainable employment. "The Chamber has adopted several initiatives aimed at developing the skills and capabilities of people with disabilities. This reflects a significant shift from traditional support and care toward a more comprehensive approach focused on economic empowerment, capacity building, sustainable employment, and enabling persons with disabilities to actively contribute to the national development process," His Excellency added. HE the Chairman of Qatar Chamber also highlighted the Chamber's commitment to strengthening cooperation with relevant organizations, including the Volunteer Initiative for the Employment of Persons with Disabilities to bridge communication between these entities and private-sector companies. He emphasized the importance of raising awareness on providing suitable job opportunities, leveraging the capabilities and skills of people with disabilities, and encouraging companies to build more inclusive and sustainable work environments.

Her Excellency Minister of State for International Cooperation Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad participated in the interactive dialogue with the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, being held in Geneva on Aug. 12 and 13, to discuss the combined periodic reports from the second to the fourth of the State of Qatar, submitted pursuant to Article 35 of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.A national delegation also participated in the discussion of the report, comprising representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Public Health, the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, the Ministry of Social Development and Family, the Supreme Judiciary Council, and the Ministry of Labour, in addition to a representative of persons with disabilities, reflecting the participatory nature of the discussion and the diversity of national entities concerned with implementing the provisions of the Convention.**media[478633]**The discussion of the State of Qatar covered a wide range of issues related to the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, including legislative and institutional developments and the policies and programs adopted by the State, as well as measures taken to promote equality and nondiscrimination, accessibility, education, health, employment, social protection, and participation in public life.In her speech during the dialogue, HE the Minister of State for International Cooperation affirmed that the State of Qatar views this discussion as an opportunity for assessment, learning, and exchange of experiences, reviewing the progress achieved in the national system, while listening to the Committee's observations and recommendations in a manner that contributes to the continued development of national policies, legislation and practices.She said that Qatar's journey in the field of the rights of persons with disabilities has moved from care to rights, from providing services to removing barriers, from protection to empowerment, and from viewing persons with disabilities as beneficiaries to recognizing them as active partners in society and development. In this context, she noted that true empowerment does not only mean providing a service, but removing a barrier, and it does not only mean opening a door, but ensuring that this door is accessible to everyone. **media[478635]**Her Excellency explained that persons with disabilities are not on the margins of development, but at its heart, and they are not recipients of it, but partners in shaping it.Her Excellency highlighted that among the most significant legislative developments in the State of Qatar was the issuance of Law No. (22) of 2025 on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which enshrines the principles of equality and non-discrimination, guarantees accessibility, and the right to inclusive education, health, rehabilitation, employment, housing and social protection. It also promotes autonomy, independent living and full and effective participation in society, and provides protection from neglect, abuse, exploitation and violence.She noted that promoting the rights of persons with disabilities constitutes one of the main pillars of Qatar's approach to human rights and is based on a system of national strategies and policies, including the National Strategy of the Ministry of Social Development and Family (2025-2030) and the Third National Health Strategy (2024-2030). She added that Qatar is moving toward adopting the National Strategy for Persons with Disabilities, which will provide an integrated national framework for coordinating efforts, promoting empowerment, developing institutional capacities, and measuring progress and the level of implementation.Her Excellency also highlighted Qatar's contributions at the international level, including supporting initiatives related to autism and deaf blindness, including sponsoring and supporting the draft resolution adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on June 16, 2025, declaring June 27 the International Day for Deaf blindness, participating in the launch of the Global Autism Alliance, and preparing to host the Fourth Global Disability Summit in Doha in 2028, reflecting its commitment to promoting international cooperation and building more inclusive societies that empower persons with disabilities.Her Excellency renewed her affirmation that the State of Qatar places the promotion, protection and realization of human rights at the forefront of its priorities, explaining that its cooperation with United Nations human rights bodies complements its national and international efforts.She also affirmed Qatar's belief that international cooperation is an essential means of achieving sustainable progress in the field of human rights, and of continuing to work with the Committee, the international community, non-governmental organisations and all other stakeholders in a spirit of international cooperation and solidarity, contributing to addressing challenges, promoting the rights of persons with disabilities, and ensuring that no one is left behind.

Qatar has continued to strengthen its legislative, digital, healthcare and social programmes aimed at advancing the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities, with recent measures placing greater emphasis on equality, accessibility, empowerment and participation in public life.A key development was the enactment of Law No. (22) of 2025 on Persons with Disabilities, which strengthens the legal framework governing their rights and reinforces the principles of equality, non-discrimination, empowerment and protection. The legislation represents an important step in translating Qatar’s commitments under the international disability rights framework into national policies and services.Qatar ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) on May 26, 2008. The convention establishes an international framework to ensure that persons with disabilities enjoy their rights on an equal basis with others and participate fully in society without discrimination. Its principles cover a wide range of areas, including accessibility, education, healthcare, employment, social protection, political participation, justice, culture, sports and recreation.In recent years, Qatar’s efforts have increasingly focused on making accessibility part of everyday public and digital services. Among these initiatives is the national digital platform “Yusr”, which is designed to facilitate access for persons with disabilities and their families to relevant services and information while incorporating digital accessibility standards.**media[478579]**The government has also reported a 94% digital accessibility rate across government websites, while Qatar ranked fifth globally in the Digital Accessibility Rights Evaluation Index. The figures reflect the growing role of accessible digital infrastructure in enabling persons with disabilities to obtain public information and services.Healthcare and rehabilitation have also been key areas of focus. The “Qatar Creates Vision” initiative seeks to expand access to eye-care services worldwide for millions of adults and children. Broader healthcare efforts include access to prosthetic limbs, orthotic devices, assistive technologies and specialised rehabilitation services.Accessibility extends beyond healthcare and digital platforms. The “Accessible Qatar” initiative provides information on the accessibility of public and tourist locations across the country, helping persons with disabilities and their families identify facilities and destinations equipped to meet different accessibility requirements.Participation in social, cultural and sporting activities is another component of Qatar’s approach. National programmes such as 'For All Abilities' seek to expand opportunities for persons with disabilities to take part in sports, cultural and recreational activities. These efforts include adapting facilities and activities to accommodate different needs and encourage wider participation.The rights framework also covers education and employment. Under the principles of the CRPD, persons with disabilities are entitled to an inclusive and integrated education system at all stages. Employment rights include equal opportunities, equal pay and promotion, as well as reasonable accommodation in the workplace. The framework also recognises the right to an adequate standard of living and social protection, including access to housing, assistance and disability-related services without discrimination.Access to justice is similarly recognised as a fundamental right. Persons with disabilities should have equal access to the judiciary, with recognition of their legal capacity and appropriate support and accommodations to enable them to exercise their legal rights.Qatar has also sought to promote inclusion through technology and communication. The “Sukoon” application was launched to digitise the Unified Arabic Sign Language Dictionary and promote digital inclusion for deaf persons. The initiative addresses communication barriers while expanding access to digital resources for people who rely on sign language.At the international level, Qatar has contributed to efforts to raise global awareness of disability rights. The country contributed to the adoption by the United Nations General Assembly on June 16, 2025, of a resolution declaring June 27 as International Day of Deafblindness. Qatar also participates annually in the United Nations’ observance of World Autism Awareness Day on April 2.Qatar is also preparing to host the Fourth Global Disability Summit in Doha in 2028, in cooperation with the International Disability Alliance. The summit is expected to provide an international platform for discussions on disability inclusion, accessibility and the implementation of rights-based policies.Taken together, Qatar’s efforts to expand accessibility across government services, digital platforms, healthcare and public spaces, alongside its international engagement on disability issues, reflect a broader approach to promoting social development, equal opportunity and the full participation of persons with disabilities in society. 

In an effort to ensure inclusivity in all areas and that the opinions and aspirations of all individuals with disabilities are fully represented, Mada – the Qatar Assistive Technology Centre, with its vision of “Universal Access”, has formed an advisory team of people with disabilities. Believing that persons with disabilities are key partners in decision-making, the team represents people with various types of disabilities to serve as a platform for dialogue and active participation in discussing initiatives, strategies and policies related to people with disabilities. The team aims to support inclusive policies and meaningful participation in decision-making. The Mada Centre said that the best solutions come from those who live the experience firsthand, and that this is a great step toward an “effective partnership and sustainable impact”. “In this context, the formation of Qatar’s Advisory Team of Persons with Disabilities reinforces their role as active partners in dialogue and contributors to the development of initiatives and policies that impact their lives,” the Mada Centre said in a statement. The team includes individuals with hearing, visual, and physical disabilities, people living with multiple sclerosis, as well as parents of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Down syndrome. The team enhances direct dialogue and ensures that policies match real-world needs by involving individuals with lived experiences. It also positions participants as active partners in creating sustainable and accessible community initiatives. The team aims to foster dialogue and meaningful participation in initiatives and policies related to persons with disabilities, supporting a more inclusive and accessible society. “When persons with disabilities have a seat at the table, decisions become more inclusive, and visions are better aligned with reality, helping to shape a future built through everyone’s participation,” a Mada official stated. The Mada Centre works through strategic and smart partnerships, delivering impactful projects and a suite of specialised services for institutions.These include supporting the development and accreditation of digital platforms and solutions according to international accessibility standards, ensuring physical accessibility across facilities and services, and building the capacities of specialists through tailored training programmes. The centre also provides consultancy services and raises awareness on accessibility policies to enable different sectors to improve their services for persons with disabilities and the elderly, thereby fostering sustainable institutional practices that elevate quality of life and promote inclusion. 

His Excellency the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani honoured 36 graduates of the Shafallah Center for Persons with Disabilities at a ceremony held Tuesday morning at the centre's headquarters in Doha.The PM presided over the centre's 2026 graduation, joined by a number of ministers, senior Shafallah officials, faculty and administrative staff, and the graduates' families.Executive Director Fatima Saeed al-Saadi said the PM's patronage of the ceremony reflected the close attention Qatar pays to persons with disabilities and its commitment to supporting their path towards empowerment and a fuller role in society.She described the occasion as both national and humanitarian, embodying Qatar's drive to entrench inclusion, equality and equal opportunity in line with Qatar National Vision 2030. Graduation, she added, opened a new chapter of contribution, independence and engagement in professional and social life.The centre's work, al-Saadi said, extends the state's wider approach to supporting and empowering persons with disabilities under Vision 2030 and Law No. 22 of 2025 on persons with disabilities, which advances the principles of inclusion, equal opportunity, independence and active participation. Its programmes help translate those goals into practice through specialised educational and rehabilitation services that build members' capabilities and widen their access to learning, work and community life.She noted that the centre continues to prepare its members for employment through integrated educational and rehabilitation programmes, working with partners across the public and private sectors to strengthen their integration into society and the labour market.Shafallah offers a broad range of services tailored to its members' needs — from academic qualification to vocational training and sports and arts activities — with an emphasis on the personal and life skills that enable independence and community participation. It also pursues economic empowerment by readying members for the labour market, with a number of graduates having taken up posts in public and private bodies, reinforcing their job stability and their place in varied working environments.Established in 1999, the Shafallah Center is one of the centres of the Qatar Foundation for Social Work. It provides specialised educational and rehabilitation services for persons with intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorder, while promoting public awareness of their rights and supporting their opportunities for inclusion and independence. 

Nando’s Qatar recently hosted a number of participants from the Shafallah Centre for Persons with Disabilities, one of the centres operating under the umbrella of the Qatar Social Work Foundation, at the Nando’s restaurant in Tawar Mall.The visit was part of an interactive cooking experience designed to promote inclusion, build confidence, and strengthen community connections.Across two dedicated sessions, Shafallah Centre participants took part in a guided activity titled “Build Your Own Burger,” supervised by the Nando’s team. The experience encouraged creativity, teamwork, and independence in a safe, supportive environment, allowing participants to develop new skills while enjoying the warm, welcoming hospitality Nando’s is known for.**media[426589]**The event extended beyond the kitchen, fostering meaningful human connections between participants and team members and highlighting the importance of inclusion and shared experiences within the communities where Nando’s operates. Each participant also received a certificate of participation and symbolic gifts to commemorate the occasion.The initiative also provided Nando’s team members with the opportunity to engage directly and purposefully with the Shafallah participants, reinforcing the values of social inclusion and collaborative spirit. By creating an environment where every participant felt supported and appreciated, the event demonstrated how simple, yet thoughtful initiatives can create a lasting positive impact.Parents, specialists, and representatives from the Shafallah Centre expressed their appreciation for the experience, noting the confidence and joy it brought to the participants. This partnership highlights the importance of collaboration between the private sector and community institutions in creating inclusive opportunities that empower youth and strengthen social integration.This initiative reflects Nando’s ongoing commitment to supporting and engaging with local communities through meaningful experiences that place people at the heart of its priorities.Venkatesh Jaiswal, COO of Nando’s Qatar, stated: “At Nando’s, we believe our responsibility goes beyond serving great food. It’s about showing up for our community and creating experiences where everyone feels welcome. Our partnership with the Shafallah Centre reflects who we are – a people-first brand that cares.”Tabrez Paloji, head of People at Nando’s Qatar, added: “Inclusivity is not a campaign for us – it’s part of our culture. When we open our doors to experiences like this, we’re not just hosting an activity, we’re creating confidence, dignity, and real human connection. Initiatives like these are part of our ‘Changing People’s Lives’ promise – and that includes the lives of our guests and our own Nandocas.” 

The Ministry of Municipality's Public Parks Department, in co-operation with Al Faisal Without Borders Foundation, launched the 11th edition of the "Farm Your Country" programme, with the participation of 47 schools at various educational levels, including one school for persons with disabilities.The programme comes within the framework of national efforts to enhance the partnership between the public and private sectors in raising agricultural awareness and instilling in students a culture of planting from an early age, thus, strengthening this trend towards a green and sustainable environment in the State of Qatar.In a statement, the Public Parks Department said that planting operations have been completed in 25 schools, adding that the coming weeks will see such operations carried out in the remaining schools, followed by checkups and plant care stages taking place until the harvest season, held under the supervision of the department's technical team.The department said that this is one of the most important community programmes that it implements in partnership with Al Faisal Without Borders Foundation, with its significance stemming from its contribution to instilling in students a sense of responsibility, respect for the environment, and teamwork, in addition to encouraging home farming and enhancing food security in the country.

Students of HOPE Qatar Centre for Persons with Disabilities, representing the centre’s senior, open schooling, primary, and junior sections, recently held a special educational visit to the Indonesian embassy in Doha. Indonesian ambassador Ridwan Hassan welcomed the students and special educators and led them on a guided tour of the embassy premises. The students were introduced to the daily operations and the key functions of various departments and learned how the embassy provides consular services, facilitates cultural and trade relations, and assists local citizens and citizens living abroad. Hassan spoke about his longstanding association with HOPE Qatar. “HOPE Qatar has made a remarkable difference not just in the lives of its students, but also in the lives of their families,” the envoy said. “The love, patience, and professionalism of the staff reflect the true spirit of inclusion.” Hassan also commended HOPE Qatar’s role in promoting empowerment and equality through education, emphasising that “every child, regardless of ability, deserves the opportunity to learn, to grow, and to be part of society with dignity”. “We are deeply honoured to have visited the Indonesian embassy, and even more grateful for the long and meaningful association we share with ambassador Ridwan Hassan and his family,” said HOPE Qatar founder and chief mentor Dr Rajeev Thomas. The students presented handmade souvenirs to the ambassador as a gesture of appreciation for his kindness and support. In turn, Hassan presented the students with gifts and interacted with them individually, expressing admiration for their confidence, creativity, and positivity. HOPE Qatar Centre for Persons with Disabilities offers quality education and holistic support to children and young adults with disabilities. The centre’s programmes are designed to nurture independence, confidence, and community participation among its learners.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani on Sunday issued Law No. 22 of 2025 concerning persons with disabilities.The law is effective and set to be published in the official gazette.HE Minister of Social Development and Family, Buthaina bint Ali al-Jabr al-Nuaimi, affirmed that issuance of the new Persons with Disabilities Law marks a pivotal milestone in Qatar's journey to protect and promote human rights.She emphasised that the law goes beyond care provision, embedding the principles of empowerment and full participation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of life, recognising them as active partners in development and future-building.The legislation reflects Qatar's steadfast commitment to upholding justice and equality for all members of society, emphasising that everyone shares responsibility in shaping a better tomorrow.According to a statement from the Ministry of Social Development and Family, the law emphasises protection of civil and political rights of persons with disabilities, including freedom of movement, opinion, and expression, the right to form a family, and participation in elections, associations, and institutions.The law also stipulates that a person's freedom may only be restricted within the limits required by their condition, while prohibiting all forms of violence or exploitation.It includes deterrent measures to protect these rights, prescribing penalties of up to six months' imprisonment and fines of up to QR 100,000 for violations, with fines in certain cases reaching QR 500,000, particularly in instances of neglect, exploitation, or abuse.The law also holds officials in administrative bodies accountable for any negligence or failure to implement its provisions. It requires relevant authorities to establish a unified national database for persons with disabilities and issue identification cards to facilitate access to benefits and services, which embodies Qatar's vision to promote social justice, uphold inclusion and empowerment, and ensure a dignified life for all.

Senior and open schooling students of HOPE Qatar Centre for Persons with Disabilities, paid an educational visit to the embassy of India recently.The students represented the nationalities of India, Indonesia, and Bangladesh.The students were given an opportunity to observe the functioning of the embassy and gain insight into how diplomatic missions operate, making it an enriching learning experience beyond the classroom.They were introduced to the consular section, its functions, and how passports are printed and issued by the mission. In an interaction with ambassador Vipul, the students posed numerous questions and received answers.The visit also featured the formal release of the first copy of ‘Ray of HOPE’ the annual newsletter of HOPE Qatar for the Academic Year 2024–2025 by the ambassador.The students presented handmade gifts to the envoy and received gifts from the embassy. Dr Rajeev Thomas, founder and chief mentor of HOPE Qatar, was present.