Sisi approves National Council for People with Disabilities Law

CAIRO – 5 March 2019: President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi approved Tuesday the issuance of law No. 11 of 2019 of the National Council of People with Disabilities, according to the Egyptian Gazette.

In January 2019, the Parliament gave a final approval on a draft law submitted by the government to establish the National Council for People with Disabilities.

According to the law, the Disabilities Council is an independent body that aims to promote, develop and protect the rights of persons with disabilities and their constitutional dignity.

The council shall enjoy technical, financial and administrative independence in performing its activities, functions and competences.

Concerning administration, the council shall consist of a president, a vice-president and 17 members with disabilities in addition to public figures with experience.

The council's president, his deputy and other members are required to be Egyptians, who enjoy civil and political rights. They are also required to have already performed military service, or have been legally exempted. All members shall be enjoying clear criminal records.

The council proposes the general policy of the state in the field of development, rehabilitation, integration and empowerment of persons with disabilities.
It should also coordinate with all ministries and concerned authorities in the state to implement the provisions of the International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

The council has to represent persons with disabilities, and it should be registered in the membership of forums, conferences and international organizations concerned with disability issues.

It is also in charge of receiving complaints about persons with disabilities and of adopting the policies, strategies, programs and projects necessary for community and health awareness to avoid disability.
The council shall hold a meeting at least every two months.
The council shall have an independent budget that includes its revenues and activities. The council's fiscal year shall begin and end in conjunction with the start and end of the state's fiscal year.

The disabilities independent body will be exempted from judicial fees for proceedings before courts of all types and degrees.

The council shall prepare an annual report on the situation of the rights of persons with disabilities, and submit this report to the Egyptian president, the Parliament, and the Cabinet.

The president of the council, his deputy, members and employees shall be subject to Law No. 62 of 1975 in caseof illicit gains.

In December, President Sisi allocated LE 80 million ($4.46 million) of the TahyaMisr Fund in support of people with special needs.

The president made the announcement while attending a celebration marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. "People with special needs in Egypt represent 9-10 percent of the total population,"Sisi said.

Additional report with Amr Mohamed Kandil