Egyptian Parliament Moves to Strengthen Support for the Disabled and Elderly – Global Issues
CAIRO, Oct 24 (IPS) – In an important step to address the challenges faced by disabled and elderly people, six Egyptian parliamentary committees met in Cairo on October 12 to discuss national strategies and legislative efforts.
The Forum of Arab Parliamentarians on Population and Development and the Asian Population and Development Association (APDA), with the support of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Government of Japan, organized a meeting with the aim of combining Egyptian and Sustainable policies. Development Goals (SDGs).
About 1.2 million people with disabilities receive government assistance, while Egypt’s elderly population continues to grow. According to the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS), 10.64 percent of Egyptians have disabilities, and the elderly will reach 9.3 million in 2024, representing 8.8 percent of the total population – 4.6 million men (percent -8.5) and 4.7 million women (9.2 percent). Parliamentary committees have come together to develop support for these vulnerable organisations.
Dr. Abdelhadi Al-Qasabi, Chairman of the Committee for Community Cooperation, Family, and Persons with Disabilities, emphasized the latest legal developments. He pointed out that Egypt has passed important legislation, such as the Elderly Care Law in 2024 and the Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2018, to protect these vulnerable groups. He stressed that these laws show the government’s adherence to the Egyptian Constitution, which upholds everyone’s right to a dignified life without discrimination.
“Egypt has taken drastic measures by adopting policies and laws that protect and empower people living with disabilities and the elderly,” said Al-Qasabi. “We intend to ensure that they not only receive support but contribute to the development of the nation.”
The Egyptian government’s “Karama” program, which provides financial assistance to those with disabilities, was the focus of the gathering. Egypt’s Minister of Social Solidarity, Dr. Maya Morsy, noted that this program, with an annual budget of about 10 billion pounds, currently helps 1.2 million people and 1.3 million integrated services cards are distributed to facilitate access to social services and health care.
“We are committed to ensuring that people with disabilities receive their integrated services cards within 30 days, which will enable them to access essential services.”
Morsy emphasized the Elderly Care Act, which ensures that those over 65 have better access to social, economic, and health services. “We aim to create a place where old women can live independently, without being abused or exploited, and continue to contribute to society,” he said to the audience.
Dr. Hala Youssef, UNFPA Adviser, emphasized the need for international cooperation in meeting the SDGs and ensuring that no one is left behind.
“Members of Parliament play an important role in creating a legal framework that caters to the needs of the most vulnerable,” Youssef added. “Innovation and technology can be powerful tools for inclusion, providing people with disabilities access to education, employment, and equal social participation.”
Youssef continued to emphasize the disturbing statistics in the world, saying that 46 percent of adults over the age of 60 have some form of disability and that people with disabilities are among the most affected during the violence of COVID-19.
“Children with disabilities are four times more likely to experience violence compared to their peers, while adults with disabilities face a greater risk of abuse and exploitation,” said Youssef, urging a strong commitment to protecting their rights.
Dr. Sami Hashim, head of the Education and Scientific Research Committee, emphasized the integration of people with disabilities in the education system. He emphasized that, especially in the era of artificial intelligence, education must be flexible, inclusive, and forward-looking.
“Our education system should not only teach knowledge but should not prepare people for success in the growing world of technology,” said Hashim. “This is especially important for students with disabilities, who should have access to the tools and opportunities that will allow them to succeed.”
The forum emphasized the critical need for national and international cooperation to build shared, equitable societies, given that 80% of the world’s billion disabled people live in developing countries and that the number of elderly people in need is increasing.
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© Inter Press Service (2024) — All Rights ReservedOriginal source: Inter Press Service
