Organizations in the Arab Region

Changes in the approach to disability around the world and the growing commitment of Governments to the rights of persons with disabilities have been echoed in Arab countries. In 2004, the League of Arab States declared the Arab Decade for Persons with Disabilities, the first set of principles and objectives in the region for promoting the inclusion of persons with disabilities. In addition to the 16 ESCWA member States that have ratified the Convention, 7 have ratified its optional protocol. This section aims to review broad regional trends and identify gaps in knowledge and research.