Qatar Celebrates World Autism Awareness Day

The State of Qatar participates with many countries around the world in celebrating World Autism Awareness Day, which falls on the 2^nd of April of each year based on Qatar’s proposal to set this date as the World Autism Awareness Day, which was approved by the United Nations General Assembly in 2007.

The State of Qatar celebrates this occasion, under the slogan "Quality Inclusive Education for All", as an expression of its deep belief in the necessity of spreading awareness and education regarding autism patients, and emphasizing the importance of integrating and empowering them to become a fruit and a positive addition in the comprehensive development process that the State of Qatar seeks in Qatar National Vision 2030.

In a message on World Autism Awareness Day, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres affirmed that the United Nations supports the rights of people with autism to fully participate in society in accordance with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Guterres emphasized that the 2030 Agenda represents a commitment to reduce inequality through the social, economic and political inclusion of all people, including people with disabilities, embodied in its pledge to leave no one behind. However, many people with autism still live in isolation, experiencing discrimination and separation from their communities within institutions and even in their homes.

Guterres continued, "The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated many of these inequalities through the loss or reduction of services at school, home and community. We need to ensure that the rights, perspectives and well-being of people with disabilities, including those with autism, are an integral part. It is an integral part of building a better forward post-pandemic.”

The data of the World Health Organization indicate that one person out of every 160 people suffers from autism spectrum disorders, as these estimates are an average number, the rates of which vary widely between countries, according to scientific studies.

Guterres stated that all of these efforts must center around effective consultation with people with disabilities and their representative organizations.

The United Nations will hold a virtual event on April 8 to celebrate World Autism Awareness Day, under the slogan "Quality Inclusive Education for All".

This year's event was organized by the United Nations Department of Global Communications and the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, with support from civil society partners including the Autism Self-Advocacy Network, the Global Autism Project and the Specialisterne Foundation.

In its turn, The State of Qatar pays special attention to the people with autism spectrum disorder, which is represented in the services provided to them through specialized centers, and the necessary medical care in health centers and hospitals. The state has achieved tangible successes, especially during the past years in this field, when the Council of Ministers issued Resolution No. (26) For the year 2019 related to the establishment of the National Committee for the Affairs of Women, Children, the Elderly, and Persons with Disabilities.

The State of Qatar has also played an important role in raising awareness of autism spectrum disorder at the international level. In 2007, Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser supported the campaign that called for the establishment of the World Autism Awareness Day during the 62nd session of the United Nations General Assembly, which was unanimously approved by the member states of the United Nations.