The Permanent Mission of the UAE to the United Nations Organizes Side Event on Promoting and Protecting the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

On the sidelines of the 58th session of the Human Rights Council, the Permanent Mission of the United Arab Emirates to the United Nations and other international organizations in Geneva organized a side event titled *"Promoting and Protecting the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: Access to Technology and Artificial Intelligence."* The event highlighted the opportunities and challenges of these technologies, emphasizing the importance of providing globally accessible technologies to meet the needs of persons with disabilities.

His Excellency Ambassador Jamal Al Musharakh, Permanent Representative of the UAE to the United Nations and other international organizations in Geneva, affirmed that the UAE, as a party to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, has integrated the provisions of the Convention into national laws and policies to ensure the protection of this group in areas such as education, healthcare, and social security.

Her Highness Sheikha Dr. Moza bint Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Advisor at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighted the UAE’s pioneering role in utilizing artificial intelligence to serve and empower persons with disabilities. She noted the country’s commitment to the social and technological inclusion of this group through innovative policies.

In her intervention, Ms. Rehab Boursli, Member of the International Committee of Experts on the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, presented the potential of artificial intelligence to enhance the lives of persons with disabilities.

Ms. Martina Albarit, Officer at the Human Rights and Disability Unit of the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, stressed the importance of adopting a human rights-based approach when dealing with digital technologies, including artificial intelligence.

His Excellency Abdullah Al Humaidan, Secretary-General of Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination, presented the UAE’s legislation related to the rights of persons with disabilities and the various facilitations provided to support their inclusion and make them active members of society.

During her intervention, Fatima Al Kaabi, an Emirati advocate for the rights of persons with disabilities, spoke about her personal experience in overcoming her disability, which she described as a journey of patience, resilience, and hope. She emphasized the significant role that technology plays in improving healthcare services for persons with disabilities.

The event concluded with attendees underscoring the importance of developing innovative technologies that contribute to achieving equality and inclusion for persons with disabilities at the global level.