KABUL (SW) – People with disabilities have expressed concerns about discriminatory behavior in society and their lack of access to education and job opportunities while calling on the Islamic Emirate’s de-facto government to provide basic life services for them.
Hamedullah, a 16-year-old who recently lost his sight in a traffic accident, said that some people perceive individuals with disabilities as a “burden on society” and treat them with “discriminatory behavior.”
He adds: “We go out to fulfill our needs; we encounter people who are unaware of the rights of the blind and whether or not they are capable. They don’t know that blind people are capable of learning and achieving things. Because of this, some people treat the blind poorly.”
Mustafa Anabi, an 18-year-old who lost his vision due to genetic issues, says that people with disabilities in Afghanistan face significant educational and employment limitations.
He said: “Among the many problems we face, education and work are the most pressing. We cannot access education and jobs in the same way that able-bodied individuals can. However, we have the ability to work and study like anyone else. We call on the government to create opportunities for us in education and employment.”
Hamidullah, a 50-year-old who lost both of his legs in an explosion in Kabul, says that there are no adequate facilities for people with disabilities. He calls for the de-facto government of the Islamic Emirate to create better access for people with disabilities.
He adds: “If someone is healthy, they can travel by regular transport for just 10 afghanis, but we are forced to hire a private vehicle, paying between 150 to 200 afghanis just to reach an office or destination. We want more facilities to be created for us.”
Rayan Gul, a 45-year-old man who lost a leg during the Republic era, also urges the de-facto government to assist people with disabilities. “My request from the government is to support me and others with disabilities and provide us with job opportunities so that we can earn money to cover the costs of medication and support our families.”
Meanwhile, officials at the Ministry of Martyrs and Disabled Affairs state that the ministry is working to provide more facilities for people with disabilities. Faisal Khamosh, the spokesperson for the ministry, says that since the resurgence of the Islamic Emirate in Afghanistan, 190,000 individuals with disabilities have been registered with the ministry and are receiving a monthly stipend.
The European Union, in honor of International Day of Persons with Disabilities, has stated that people with disabilities in Afghanistan face serious challenges, such as limited access to healthcare and rehabilitation services. The EU, through a statement on its X account, affirmed its support for people with disabilities.
This day was designated by the United Nations to promote respect and dignity for people with disabilities.
