Government Drafting New Disability Rights Law With Wider Protections

The Ministry of Health, Family and Social Services has begun work to replace the existing law protecting the rights of persons with disabilities with a new act containing significant amendments.

State Minister for Social Services Ahmed Athif said the Act on the Protection of Rights and Provision of Financial Assistance to Persons with Disabilities, enacted in 2010, has not been amended since its introduction.

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Speaking on PSM News’ Raajje Miadhu programme, Athif said the new legislation is being drafted in consultation with persons with disabilities, technical experts and non-governmental organisations.

He said conditions have changed significantly since the original legislation was developed in 2008 and 2009, particularly in terms of public awareness, access to services and the challenges faced by persons with disabilities.

Athif said the revised law would provide clearer responsibilities for different sectors and institutions in areas including education and healthcare, which he said were addressed only superficially under the existing legislation.

The new legislation will also outline empowerment models and provisions related to employment and financial self-sufficiency, according to Athif.

He said establishing an effective system for the early detection of disabilities would be given particular priority under the new framework.

Athif said early identification was not adequately prioritised under the existing legislation, but would help improve service delivery, identify appropriate interventions and accelerate the provision of support.

The existing Act seeks to guarantee the fundamental rights and freedoms of persons with disabilities without discrimination, ensure equal opportunities, establish government policies, and set standards for special protection and financial assistance.