Emirates Human Rights Association (EHRA), has participated in an international symposium held in Tunis entitled, "Protection of People with Disabilities During Wars and Conflicts."
The event was also attended by representatives of the League for Arab States, Arab Institute for Human Rights, Centre of Arab Women for Training and Research, UN High Commission for Human Rights, International Migration Organisation, and other rights bodies and organisations in charge of people with disabilities.
The EHRA was represented by Widad Bu Humaid, Deputy Chairperson of Board of Directors of EHRA, and Mariam Al Shomi, Board Member.
Speaking at the event, Bu Humaid said, "Despite prohibition of war by the United Nations Charter, the world continues to witness many armed conflicts that we, as civil societies, do not have the ability to prevent. However, we can do what it takes to mitigate the damage and devastation caused by the conflicts on civilians and the environment; specifically on vulnerable groups, such as people with disabilities, as well as the elderly, children and women."
She noted that since 2016, the EHRA has adopted a strategy and working approach based on a partnership and co-operation among civil society bodies in the Arab region. This is based on the belief that collective action "is the most effective because we are part of the human rights movement in the Arab region and the world at large."
Bu Humaid said that the protection of vulnerable groups from conflicts should not eclipse efforts on effectively preventing conflicts in the Arab region. "This can be done through tackling factors that cause conflicts, such as by spreading a culture of tolerance and setting up associations that adopt awareness and anti-hate speech strategies."
She referred to the decision of Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to change the term "People with Disabilities" into "People with Determination," describing such a move "inspirational."

Source: WAM