MACCA SUPPORTS THE CELEBRATION OF INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
The government of Afghanistan celebrated International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 9th December 2009 with the financial support of MACCA. The event was held in Kabul with the participation of government high-ranking officials, disability NGOs and persons with disabilities.
The celebration began with the recitation of the Holy Quran followed by the National Anthem, performed by Family Welfare Foundation students singing the Anthem in Afghan Sign Language.
Mrs. Amina Afzali, Advisor to the Presidential Office read the President's message saying: "Celebration of International Day of Persons with Disability really honors all persons with disabilities in our beloved country. Many disabilities are the result of three decades of war and now we put all our efforts to prevent further disabilities in the country. I request all concerned organizations to cooperate with and support all disability efforts in Afghanistan and work determinedly to provide valuable services to them."
Dr. Mohammad Haider Reza, programme director of the MACCA resenting the United Nations and MAPA said, "I accept that problems exist and I do feel the pain of the persons with disabilities. We must work hard to achieve our goal of providing services to all persons with disabilities."
H.E Miss Suraya Paikan, Deputy Minister of Ministry of Labor, Social Affairs, Martyrs and Disabled (MoLSAMD) gave her speech pointing to the theme of the year "Making the Millennium Development Goals Inclusive! Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities & their Communities Around the World." She expressed the commitment of the ministry to ensuring rights and privileges to all persons with disabilities.
A number of other officials from government, Upper House of the parliament and NGOs also gave speeches. Some issues highlighted were that 196,000 children with disabilities in Afghanistan have no access to education is the joint responsibility of NGOs and the government of Afghanistan.