Iraq has taken an important step toward inclusion by launching the National Disability Inclusion Strategy for Children and Young People 2026–2030. The announcement was made on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities during a national event held at Baghdad’s Al-Mansour Hotel.
The launch brought together key leaders and partners, including Minister of Labour and Social Affairs Ahmed Al-Asadi, the Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, UNICEF’s representative in Iraq Christian Skoog, and Germany’s KfW Development Bank, along with other partners who support disability rights.
Minister Al-Asadi said the strategy is a clear plan to protect the rights of children and young people with disabilities. It focuses on access to healthcare, education, protection, and participation in society. He explained that the plan will support inclusive schools, better health services, fair social protection, accessible buildings, digital access, and strong follow-up to make sure the strategy is actually put into action. All of this will be done in close cooperation with organizations representing people with disabilities.
The strategy creates a national roadmap to remove long-standing barriers that stop many children and young people with disabilities from fully taking part in daily life. It also commits Iraq to improving laws, collecting better data on disability, and making sure girls and boys with disabilities have equal chances to succeed.
Christian Skoog of UNICEF welcomed the move, saying every child deserves the chance to grow, learn, and succeed. He stressed that children with disabilities are not separate from society, but an essential part of it. True inclusion, he said, means making sure classrooms, playgrounds, and opportunities are open to every child, without exception.
UNICEF worked closely with Iraq’s Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs and the Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to develop the strategy, offering technical support, research, and training. Germany, through the KfW Development Bank, also played a key role by supporting Iraq’s efforts to improve inclusive services for children and young people with disabilities.
As Iraq moves forward with this plan, UNICEF said it will continue working alongside national partners to expand inclusive services and help ensure that every child and young person with a disability can enjoy their rights and reach their full potential.
