His Excellency the Minister of Social Affairs and Labor, Mukhtar Al-Yafaei, accompanied by his delegation and alongside Yemen’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Abdullah Al-Saadi, participated in the proceedings of the Nineteenth Session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (COSP19), held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City.

During the conference, the Minister of Social Affairs and Labor delivered the statement of the Republic of Yemen, highlighting the government's efforts to promote the rights of persons with disabilities and outlining the challenges facing this group amid the exceptional circumstances currently experienced by the country.

Minister Al-Yafaei affirmed that the Republic of Yemen views the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities as a legal, moral, and developmental obligation that requires strengthened international partnerships and the provision of sustainable support, particularly in conflict-affected countries.

He noted that persons with disabilities in Yemen face compounded challenges as a result of the war ignited by the Houthi terrorist militia and its repercussions, including the deterioration of basic services and reduced access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. These conditions have directly impacted the well-being of persons with disabilities and significantly increased their needs.

The Minister explained that despite these exceptional circumstances, the government continues its efforts, in cooperation with its partners, to strengthen the protection, empowerment, and inclusion of persons with disabilities in public life.

Minister Al-Yafaei further stated that the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor has activated the mandatory employment quota for persons with disabilities, set at 5 percent in both the public and private sectors. This commitment has been translated into practice through the provision of 170 government positions since the formation of the Yemeni Government in early February 2026, supported by inspection and awareness campaigns to ensure compliance with these rights in the workplace.

He added that the government has taken tangible steps to improve accessibility in public facilities, schools, and hospitals, while supporting rehabilitation projects, healthcare services, and inclusive education programs. In addition, a center for the rehabilitation and care of children with disabilities has been constructed and equipped with funding from the Saudi Program for the Development and Reconstruction of Yemen, reflecting the importance of international and regional partnerships in supporting this group.

Minister Al-Yafaei also noted that, in the areas of economic and social empowerment, the government has worked to enhance financial inclusion, support livelihoods, and improve access to educational and rehabilitation services in ways that strengthen the independence of persons with disabilities and their integration into society. Efforts are also continuing, in coordination with relevant authorities, to adapt facilities across various government institutions to ensure accessibility and promote their active participation in community life.

In concluding his statement, the Minister of Social Affairs and Labor reaffirmed the Republic of Yemen’s steadfast commitment to the principles of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. He called upon the international community to strengthen cooperation and unite efforts to ensure a more just, dignified, and inclusive future that guarantees persons with disabilities the full enjoyment of their rights without discriminat.