An interactive dialogue with Heba Hagrass, the UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, NGOs, was held on March 14th from 10am to 11am local time in Geneva, organized by other institutions. In this interactive discussion, representatives from the Iranian Thalassemia Society, the Iranian Autism Society, and Dutch Palestinian activists looked into the challenges faced by people with disabilities.
Secondary complications of thalassemia under sanctions
Dr. Mariam Ahavan Tabakoli, president of the Iranian Thalassemia Association, addressed the challenges facing thalassemia patients at the conference. She identified sanctions as a major factor that increases the risk of secondary complications in thalassemia patients. She emphasized that Iranian thalassemia patients suffer from osteoporosis, diabetes, heart problems and neurological complications due to lack of access to high-quality iron-selling medications. In some cases, these issues have resulted in increased disability rates and even early death in thalassemia patients.
Challenges faced by autistic patients
Dr. Reza Hajati and Dr. Mahmoud Karimi, presidents of the Iranian Autism Association, addressed the challenges faced by autistic individuals during the meeting. They said:
“In Iran, tens of thousands of people live with autism. However, many of them are deprived of essential services due to a lack of diagnostic and treatment facilities. The government faces challenges in implementing a national comprehensive autism programme and providing the necessary resources and social services.”
They called for international cooperation to improve teacher training, strengthen services and employment programs for individuals with autism, and increase financial and technical support for expanding autism-related services and public awareness campaigns.
Finally, the representative called for special attention to the challenges faced by autistic individuals, particularly in approved countries, and requested special rapporteurs to reflect these concerns in her future reports.
Implementing forced obstacles by occupation forces
Dutch Palestinian activist Mustafa Batarley spoke about the dire situation for disabled people in Gaza and Palestinians. He emphasized:
“There is no medical or therapeutic support for Palestinian children, many of whom suffer serious physical and psychological crises due to war and harsh living conditions. Over the past year, the number of disability caused by war injuries has increased significantly as a result of the Zionist regime’s War of Gaza.”
He emphasized that since October 7, occupying forces have violated human rights treaties protecting people with disabilities in armed conflicts. Estimates suggest that more than 1,000 children in Gaza have lost their limbs since that date, with about 10 children suffering from amputation per day. Additionally, nearly 500 children have remained severely disabled in Gaza over the past year. Additionally, it is estimated that more than 5,000 Palestinians injured since October 7th are disabled.
At the end of this interactive dialogue, the UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities expressed his appreciation for the valuable presentation and constructive perspective shared by representatives of non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
She highlighted the importance of ongoing engagement and effective collaboration, and highlighted the important role of these organizations in promoting the rights of people with disabilities. She highlighted the need to expand dialogue and synergy between civil society and formal institutions.
Additionally, she called for the continued involvement of such interactions to promote the planning and implementation of effective measures aimed at improving the situation and ensuring the rights of people with disabilities. She also highlighted the need to monitor commitments and implement support policies.
MNA