UNAMA estimates 1.5m Afghans living with disabilities

KABUL (Pajhwok): The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) estimates that around 1.5 million Afghans are living with “significant” disabilities, as the world marks the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD).

IDPD, observed annually on 3 December since 1992, aims to raise awareness of the rights, needs and contributions of persons with disabilities.

In a Facebook post, UNAMA noted that many Afghans with disabilities have suffered the consequences of decades of conflict, with children bearing a particularly heavy burden.

The mission stated: “On #DisabilityDay, we honour persons with disabilities and call for an inclusive, equitable and sustainable #Afghanistan for all. #IDPD.”

Last year, to mark IDPD, the Ministry of Martyrs and Disabled Affairs (MoMDA) reported registering 189,635 people with disabilities nationwide, including civilians, individuals disabled due to natural causes, and cases recorded under both the current Islamic Emirate and the former government.

kk/sa