National Disability Inclusion Strategy for Children and Young People

From the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Any opinions expressed are those of the author(s), and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News.

Iraq Launches the National Disability Inclusion Strategy for Children and Young People 2026-2030

On the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Iraq launched the National Disability Inclusion Strategy for Children and Young People 2026-2030 at a national event in Baghdad's Al-Mansour Hotel, bringing together Minister of Labour and Social Affairs Ahmed Al-Asadi, the Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, UNICEF Representative in Iraq Christian Skoog, the KfW Development Bank and other partners to advance the rights of children and young people with disabilities.

"The National Disability Inclusion Strategy for Children and Young People 2026-2030 is a comprehensive framework designed to secure the rights of children and young people with disabilities to health, education, protection, and community participation. This will be achieved through integrated health services, inclusive education, equitable social protection, accessible infrastructure, digital access, and a monitoring system that guarantees effective implementation in cooperation with organisations of persons with disabilities." Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Ahmed Al-Asadi said.

The new strategy sets a national framework to expand access to inclusive health, education, child protection and social services and to remove the structural barriers that prevent many children and young people with disabilities from participating fully in their communities. It also commits Iraq to strengthening legislation, improving data on disability and promoting equal opportunities for girls and boys with disabilities.

"Every child has the right to grow, learn and thrive, including the thousands of boys and girls living with disability," said Christian Skoog, UNICEF Representative in Iraq. "We commend the Government of Iraq for this critical step. Children with disabilities are not a separate group. They are an integral part of our shared community. True inclusion means ensuring that every classroom, playground, and opportunity welcomes all children equally."

UNICEF worked closely with the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs and the Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to develop the new strategy, providing technical support, evidence and capacity building. The Government of Germany, through the KfW Development Bank, has been a key partner in advancing disability inclusion in Iraq and supporting national efforts to strengthen inclusive services for children and young people with disabilities.

As Iraq begins implementing this strategy, UNICEF will continue supporting national partners to expand inclusive services and ensure that every child and young person with a disability can access their rights and reach their full potential.