Ministry of Social Development and the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics Organize a National Dialog Session on Disability Statistics in Palestine

SadaNews - The Ministry of Social Development, in coordination and cooperation with the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics, organized today a national dialog session titled *"Disability Statistics in Palestine: Reality of Challenges and a Future Vision for Inclusion"*, as part of its efforts to develop the national statistical system and enhance the rights of persons with disabilities.

The session was attended by the Minister of Social Development and Acting Minister of State for Relief Affairs, Dr. Samah Hamad, the Acting Head of the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics, Mr. Sufian Abu Harb, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Social Development, Mr. Taha Al-Irani, the Assistant Undersecretary for Family Care and Protection, Akram Al-Hafi, the Advisor to the Ministry of State for Relief Affairs, Mr. Mahdi Hamdan, and the Director of Programs at the World Food Program, Salah Al-Lahham, via video conferencing, along with representatives from official and civil institutions and international partners.

The session was opened by Dr. Samah Hamad, who affirmed that issues concerning persons with disabilities are a main priority on the Palestinian government's agenda, and that their rights are fundamental rights that must be safeguarded and promoted. She pointed out that the ongoing aggression against Gaza has led to a significant increase in the number of injuries and permanent disabilities, necessitating a comprehensive national response based on accurate data and clear plans.

Hamad emphasized the importance of having a comprehensive national statistical system based on scientific principles, as it serves as a main tool for demanding rights, directing resources, and building social and developmental policies. She reviewed several governmental steps aimed at enhancing services for persons with disabilities and expanding their benefits.

For his part, Mr. Sufian Abu Harb, the Acting Head of the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics, confirmed that disability is not a fixed state, but rather a changing reality affected by crises, wars, and economic and social conditions, indicating that investment in accurate and comprehensive data is the basis for building fair policies and effective programs that respond to real needs. He noted that the issue of disability will be among the priorities for the upcoming general population and housing census.

Additionally, Salah Al-Lahham, the Director of Programs at the World Food Program, affirmed the strength of the partnership between the World Food Program, the Ministry of Social Development, and the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics, explaining that persons with disabilities represent a targeted category in relief and development programs, and announced the program's commitment to providing technical and financial support for the outcomes that will arise from the session.
In his remarks, the Secretary-General of the Palestinian Union for Persons with Disabilities, Mr. Majdi Marai, commended the governmental steps related to enhancing the rights of persons with disabilities, affirming the importance of national plans and strategies being based on accurate figures that reflect the real situation and enhance the full inclusion of this category in various sectors.

The session continued with a presentation by Riham Mousa from the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics, discussing the reality of disability statistics in Palestine, the historical evolution of the methodologies used, and the national measurement tools adopted according to international standards, alongside the main challenges and future trends for developing data related to persons with disabilities.

The session also featured interactive discussions and interventions from various participants and representatives of relevant institutions, including Fida Tawm, where lessons learned from previous experiences were reviewed, gaps and challenges related to reaching individuals with different disabilities were analyzed, and mechanisms for enhancing their inclusion in the national statistical system were explored, culminating in the formulation of practical recommendations to support developmental planning and decision-making.

The session concluded with Fida Tawm, the Director General of Population and Social Statistics at the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics, addressing the importance of cooperative and participatory work among all partners in the homeland, in a way that serves persons with disabilities during these critical circumstances faced by our people.

The session ended with a commitment to continue coordination and joint work among different partners to develop disability statistics and strengthen the inclusion of persons with disabilities in policies, programs, and services, thereby reinforcing the principles of social justice and comprehensive development in Palestine.