On the eve of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, observed on 3rd December, the United Nations Country Team in Bahrain conducted an internal leadership engagement session on Monday dedicated to streamlining disability inclusion in the work of the United Nations in Bahrain. "At the United Nations in Bahrain, we recognise the need for participation, representation and inclusion of persons with disabilities at all levels, and their right to shape the conditions of their lives actively," said the United Nations Resident Coordinator in the Kingdom of Bahrain, Khaled El Mekwad. "The need to include persons with disabilities is more apparent now than ever. The complete realisation of the human rights of all persons with disabilities is an inalienable, integral and indivisible part of universal human rights and fundamental freedoms," he said, highlighting the United Nations Disability Inclusion Strategy.The strategy provides the foundation for sustainable and transformative progress on disability inclusion through all pillars of the work of the United Nations. The session underscored the importance of inclusion not only in policies affecting persons with disabilities but in all areas of the United Nations. Representatives from UN entities in Bahrain, attending virtually and in person, reflected on the various initiatives undertaken to strengthen the participation and leadership of persons with disabilities, including training programmes and forging partnerships to integrate and promote disability inclusion.The session also emphasized Bahrain's pioneering role in including persons with disabilities, underscoring that the Kingdom was one of the first countries to sign the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2007 (acceded in 2011). The United Nations and Bahrain have a long-standing cooperation in disability inclusion, including designing and implementing the Action Plan of the National Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2022-2026), launched by the Government in 2023.The theme of the 2024 celebration is Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future. The leadership of persons with disabilities is epitomised by the global disability rights movement's slogan, "Nothing About Us Without Us". It connotes the basic requirements of participation, representation, and inclusion and calls for persons with disabilities to shape their living conditions actively."Persons with disabilities already disproportionately bear the brunt of the crises scarring our world — from conflicts and climate disasters to poverty and inequalities — because of persistent discrimination, stigma, and barriers to basic rights and services. But they are also often denied their right to contribute to solutions to these crises," the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said in his message on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.He recalled that at the recently adopted Pact for the Future, held in September at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, the world's countries committed to correcting this injustice for persons with disabilities of all ages, for present and future generations."On this important day, and every day, let's work with persons with disabilities to achieve an inclusive and sustainable future for all people," Mr Guterres said. 

Persons with disabilities often confront an array of physical and societal barriers, limiting their full societal engagement and leaving their specific healthcare needs unaddressed.[1] In response, the World Health Organization (WHO) in Bahrain, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), launched collaborative initiatives.[2][3] A landmark advocacy event, 'Public Spaces for All', organized in an accessible-friendly park by WHO Bahrain in partnership with the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) and the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office on 3 December 2022, the International Day for Persons with Disabilities, emphasized the necessity of converting public spaces into inclusive environments.[4] Its impact was substantial, highlighting the importance of mainstreaming disability inclusion across all areas of society by promoting physical activity, social inclusion, and health. Building on this success, WHO Bahrain committed to leading the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) thematic group, Disability Inclusion Task Force, in 2023, actively engaging and providing technical guidance on the Ministry of Social Development’s National Strategy for Persons with Disabilities. With sustained backing from WHO, these initiatives in 2022 and 2023, paved the way for inclusive collaboration, propelling the integration of persons with disabilities in all facets of life in Bahrain. This work reflects United Nations Disability Inclusion Strategy and WHO’s Policy on Disability, which ensures the disability inclusion marker is taken into account from the planning stage of all public health programmes.[5]
 Key WHO ContributionsHosted the 2022 and 2023 International Day of Persons with Disabilities advocacy events.Recruited the first Disability and Inclusion Officer.Engaged a diverse range of stakeholders, including ministers and public figures, to foster a broad-based dialogue on disability-inclusive environments.Coordinated the UNCT thematic group Disability Inclusion Task Force.Supported the review of the health component and translation of the National Strategy for Persons with Disabilities.Identified and supported a WHO75 Champion and key figure Paralympian, Ruba Al-Omari.Created and distributed inclusive advocacy materials (photographs, videos, graphics) including social media short films promoting physical activity and mental health including the Healthy Habits Campaign.How did Bahrain, with the support of WHO, achieve this?In preparation, WHO Bahrain meticulously engaged key stakeholders, sending high-level invitations to ministers, stakeholders, and the public, ensuring a comprehensive conversation about disability-inclusive public spaces across various societal strata. This effort garnered significant support and patronage from esteemed entities like the Supreme Council of Health, ministries (Health, Social Development, Municipalities, Works, Sustainable Development), and organizations.WHO Bahrain employed a multifaceted communication strategy to convey a powerful message of inclusivity across WHO, UN agencies channels, and government platforms. The event at Hadiqat Diyar was a symbolic moment, commencing with a morning assembly and culminating in a park walk - a powerful emblem of the commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, raising awareness for the need for accessible public spaces. In 2023, WHO Bahrain continued advancing disability inclusion by coordinating the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) thematic group, the Disability Inclusion Task Force. This Task Force aligns with the UN Disability and Inclusion Strategy, launched in 2019, aiming for transformative change via UN agencies in Bahrain strengthening and championing disability inclusion within their programming and operations. WHO Bahrain, as the coordinator of the Task Force, facilitated quarterly meetings where focal points discussed collaborative activities, and reviewed efforts to strengthen systems and operations, joint activities, and training, including, completing the annual UNCT accountability scorecard on disability inclusion.“We hope to build a platform for people, in all their diversity, to voice their stories, and where social determinants of health can be integrated within the very fabric of well-being related health systems. Bahrain’s strides in implementing accessible spaces within the country’s infrastructure provide evidence of a realization to make healthy public environments accessible to all.”- Dr Tasnim Atatrah, WHO Representative in BahrainWHO Bahrain provided technical support on the health component and review of the translation of the National Strategy for Persons with Disabilities. WHO Bahrain’s role served as a focal point for ongoing communication between the Task Force and the Ministry of Social Development and coordinated the UNCT response to the Ministry's requests for proposals and the implementation of programmes and activities. Through this coordination structure WHO ensured that all UN agencies in Bahrain had the opportunity to collaborate and contribute to the planning of disability inclusion activities.In 2022, WHO Bahrain, jointly with, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Subregional Office for the Gulf Cooperation Council, and the Ministry of Youth and Sports, developed a public-focused campaign aimed at behavioural change related to unhealthy diets and physical inactivity using social media channels. The campaign featured eight short videos of young Bahraini athletes from different demographic groups, ensuring gender balance, and inclusion of persons with disabilities.Building on their social engagement, in 2023, WHO Bahrain identified Ruba Al-Omari, a well-known Paralympian and Bahraini athlete, as a WHO75 Champion, emphasizing its commitment to strengthening disability inclusion.[7]  WHO Bahrain produced social media short films, featuring Ms Al-Omari, as part of a broader media campaign engaging WHO75 Champions and broadening their reach within the community.WHO’s initiatives in Bahrain have championed equal opportunities for persons with disabilities as a part of its broader mission to achieve 'health for all', aligning with Bahrain's dedication to sustainable development and inclusivity, adhering to the international convention on the rights of persons with disabilities, and aligning with the wider goals of the United Nations, including gender equality and active youth participation.A recent event organized by WHO on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities in December 2023 focused on the critical role that persons with disabilities play in realizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and brought together organizations for persons with disabilities, UN agencies, the Ministry of Health, and youth volunteers from the Ministry of Youth Affairs. Looking ahead to 2024, WHO Bahrain is poised to continue advancing the agenda, furthering the integration and empowerment of individuals with disabilities in all aspects of society, contributing to sustainable change on disability inclusion.  References World Health Organization. Disability [web portal](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/disability-and-health, accessed 19 March 2024). World Health Organization. Targets of Sustainable Development Goal 3 [web portal] (https://www.who.int/europe/about-us/our-work/sustainable-development-goals/targets-of-sustainable-development-goal-3, accessed 2 February 2024). World Health Organization. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities [web portal] (https://www.who.int/tools/your-life-your-health/a-healthy-world/planet/SDG-11-Sustainable-Cities-and-Communities, accessed 2 February 2024).World Health Organization. Promoting disability-inclusive public spaces in Bahrain [news story] (https://www.emro.who.int/bahrain/news/promoting-disability-inclusive-public-spaces-in-bahrain.html, accessed 2 February 2024). World Health Organization. WHO’s policy on disability [web portal (https://www.who.int/about/policies/disability#:~:text=The%20WHO%20Policy%20on%20Disability%20requires%20WHO%20to%3A,information%20about%20WHO's%20disability%20programme, accessed 19 March 2024). World Health Organization. International day of persons with disabilities [web portal] (https://www.who.int/campaigns/international-day-of-persons-with-disabilities, accessed 2 February 2024). World Health Organization Bahrain. Biannual Newsletter. July – December 2023 [newsletter] (https://www.emro.who.int/images/stories/bahrain/WHO-Bahrain-Newsletter-amended-July-Dec_2023.pdf, accessed 5 February 2024).
 

The United Nations in Bahrain together with the Embassy of the State of Palestine in the Kingdom of Bahrain organized today in Manama an event marking the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, observed on 29 November.“The International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People is an opportunity for the international community to recognize the fact that the question of Palestine remains unresolved and that the Palestinian people have not yet achieved their inalienable rights as defined by the General Assembly, namely: The right to self-determination, the right to independence and national sovereignty, and the right of return for refugees,” said the United Nations Resident Coordinator in the Kingdom of Bahrain, Khaled El Mekwad. With regard to the situation in Gaza, the Resident Coordinator highlighted the plight of civilians, including those who have been killed, wounded, taken as hostages and caught in the conflict.“The United Nations continues to call for the protection of civilians, including aid workers, medical personnel, journalists and UN staff, and for the cessation of the destruction and damage to hospitals and other civilian infrastructure, including UN buildings,” El Mekwad said. “No party to an armed conflict is above international humanitarian law, which cannot be applied selectively.”El Mekwad highlighted the indispensable role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). “The United Nations is determined to remain in Gaza to provide life-saving assistance, where UNRWA as the backbone of the humanitarian operation, remains indispensable,” he said. “The UN is deeply concerned by the targeting of UNRWA and the possibility of preventing it from continuing its essential work, as mandated by the United Nations General Assembly, in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, including East Jerusalem.” In his speech the, the Resident Coordinator highlighted the message of the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.“Every year on this day, the international community stands in solidarity for the dignity, rights, justice and self-determination of the Palestinian people,” said Mr Guterres, adding “this year’s commemoration is especially painful as those fundamental goals are as distant as they have ever been.”“It is past time for an immediate ceasefire and the unconditional release of all hostages; an end to the unlawful occupation of the Palestinian Territory – as confirmed by the International Court of Justice and the General Assembly; and irreversible progress towards a two-State solution, in line with international law and relevant UN resolutions – with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security, and Jerusalem as the capital of both States.” International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in December 1977 to commemorate the adoption by the GA on the 29th of November 1947 of Resolution 181 (II) on the partition of Palestine.Mr Hatem Abdulhameed Hatem, Chief of Organizations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and HE Mr Taha Mohammed Abdul Qader, Ambassador of the State of Palestine to the Kingdom of Bahrain, also addressed the event, which was attended by representatives of the Government of Bahrain, members of the Diplomatic Corps, and the Civil Society. 

Since its establishment in 2023, the Gender Theme Group (GTG) of the Bahrain UN Country Team (UNCT) has been driving efforts to enhance gender mainstreaming efforts across the UN’s work in Bahrain. With a commitment to achieving tangible results for women and girls, the GTG recently held a two-day strategic retreat to review achievements and set ambitious priorities for 2025.UN Women and United Nation Population Fund (UNFPA) as co-chairs of the GTG, led the retreat with the participation of  UN-Habitat, OHCHR, IOM, UN Information Center (UNIC) and WHO and with the support of the Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO).The retreat kicked off with a review of the GTG workplan 2024 implementation and progress on the UNCT-SWAP Gender Equality Scorecard (GES). The group assessed the annual workplan to identify advancements in integrating a gender perspective into the UNCT joint work. Based on this progress, the GTG drafted the Scorecard annual report, selecting five performance indicators to demonstrate improvements in the UNCT’s collective efforts on gender equality . During the retreat, UN Women introduced the GTG study conducted this year to calculate members’ staff time contribution to the GTG, and which offered key recommendations to strengthen GTG capacity to drive gender results for the UNCT’s joint work. Drawing on the results of the study and other insights, the GTG developed key actions to include in the team’s 2025 workplan.On the second day, UN Women facilitated capacity building sessions to support the GTG in implementing its workplan in line with the global standard and procedures for Gender Theme Groups. The training included a refresher on the Gender Equality Marker (GEM), a tool to assess resource allocation in activities in the UN Country Team Joint Workplan that promote gender equality. An introductory session on Gender Mainstreaming followed, providing guidance on how UN agencies can more effectively integrate gender equality perspectives in their programming. Additionally, a session on gender-based results monitoring and reporting was conducted to examine gender-responsive monitoring structure and explore practical methods for including measurement for gender-related changes to the indicators.The retreat reinforced the GTG’s role in driving accountability and building capacity for UN gender-responsive programming within the UNCT. As Bahrain continues to advance gender equality in line with Sustainable Development Goal 5, the GTG remains committed to achieving cohesive, transformative results for women and girls, contributing to the broader realization of the SDGs.“Building on this year’s achievements, the GTG will ensure that gender equality and women’s empowerment remain central to the UNCT’s joint work in Bahrain bolstered by the technical training conducted during the retreat. The GTG’s collective efforts will ensure that the UN Country Team is able to collaborate effectively with our national partners and contribute to the national development priorities of the Kingdom of Bahrain around women’s empowerment and the Beijing Platform for Action” said Josephine Moss, GTG co-chair and Regional Coordination Specialist from UN Women Regional Office for the Arab States.With a clear roadmap for 2025, the GTG is poised to strengthen its impact on gender equality, ensuring that the UN’s work in Bahrain remains inclusive, effective, and aligned with global standards.