Rachidi Calls for Activation of Rights in Accessibility
In a recent statement, Abdel Jabbar Rachidi, Secretary of State to the Minister of Solidarity, Social Integration, and Family in charge of Social Integration, revealed a set of practical measures aimed at activating the rights of individuals with disabilities, moving from legal stipulations to actual implementation.
In response to a question about accessibility in the House of Representatives, Rachidi emphasized that Morocco has made significant strides in aligning its legislation with international agreements, particularly Article 9 related to accessibility, stressing that guaranteeing rights requires their activation in reality.
The government official highlighted that the ministry continues to implement the Accessible Cities program as part of infrastructure enhancement, having so far signed 34 agreements with local communities to prepare roads and public spaces, equipping them with the necessary accessibility features to facilitate safe and smooth mobility for individuals with disabilities within cities.
Regarding the right to mobility, the Secretary of State announced a strategic agreement with the National Railway Office, which includes equipping train stations and carriages with the necessary accessibility features, as well as introducing a 50% reduction on train tickets for individuals with disabilities.
On urban transport, Rachidi pointed to the efforts led by the Ministry of Interior, explaining that the procurement contract for public transport buses requires all buses to be equipped with accessibility features.
He also addressed the education sector, noting coordination with the Ministry of National Education within the framework of inclusive school programs to ensure the right to education and facilitate access for children with disabilities to educational institutions.
These measures have been welcomed within the legislative body, where deputies expressed their satisfaction with the announced initiatives that impact the daily lives of this group, calling for improvements in services and not to settle for mere architectural accessibility within buildings.
