Civil society welcomes King's call to implement disability rights law

Jordan Times

08-04-2025

His Majesty King Abdullah during his participation at the opening of the third Global Disability Summit (GDS 2025) in Berlin, co-hosted by the governments of Jordan and Germany along with the International Disability Alliance. The King delivered a speech, emphsising the need to work together and take action to ensure that people with disabilities can live their lives with dignity, happiness and hope (Photo courtesy of Royal Court)
AMMAN — Civil society initiatives and disability rights campaigns in Jordan on Tuesday commended His Majesty King Abdullah's speech at the Third Global Disability Summit as a pivotal moment for advancing inclusion and accessibility in the Kingdom.
Among the most vocal supporters was the Ibni "My Son" campaign, which described the King's address as 'a formal call to action for the immediate implementation of the Disability Rights Law No. 20 of 2017.'
In a press statement sent to The Jordan Times, the campaign said the King's remarks, delivered during the international summit held in Germany, reflected 'genuine political will to advance the rights of persons with disabilities in Jordan.'
It added that the speech marked a decisive shift from merely having laws in place to ensuring their effective implementation.
"The King's speech serves as a direct notification that the time has come to move from legislation to execution," the campaign noted. 'These laws must be translated into actions that meaningfully improve the lives of persons with disabilities and ensure their full and active participation in society.'
The impact of the King's words resonated deeply with individuals from the disability community. Hala Mohammad, a university student with a mobility impairment, told The Jordan Times, 'Listening to His Majesty speak about our rights on a global stage gave me a sense of visibility.'
The Ibni campaign also stressed that the King's vision underscored a shared national responsibility to guarantee access to education, healthcare, employment, and social protection for people with disabilities.
Disability rights advocate Maha Hassan said, 'Inclusion is not just a social obligation, it is an economic imperative. Empowering persons with disabilities to enter the workforce will boost productivity and support long-term national growth.'
The Global Disability Summit convened world leaders, policymakers, and advocates committed to advancing the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.
Local activists said King Abdullah's participation was both empowering and timely, especially as Jordan moves forward with broader social protection and inclusion reforms.