Members of the Federal National Council on Tuesday passed a motion demanding full social security benefits to all people of determination (with special needs). The House unanimously voted for the motion after hearing that the Ministry of Community Development bars people with special needs, whose parents have income, from receiving social security benefits.

Hamad Al Rahoumi, a member from Dubai, put a question to Hessa Bint Eisa Bu Humaid, Minister for Community Development, on why the ministry has linked social security benefits for people of determination with whether their parents have income.

Al Rahoumi argued that the illegal linkage between social security benefits paid out and the income of parents should be broken. “Social security and medicare for people of determination should be treated as the obligation of the government,” Al Rahoumi said.

He added social security benefits are the backbone of most if not all people of determination. Dr Amal Al Qubaisi, FNC Speaker, agreed and said the House repeatedly demanded that full social security benefits be provided to people of determination.

“People of determination have not made a choice to become so and they have all right to living with dignity,” Dr Al Qubaisi said. Ali Jasem, a member from Umm Al Quwain, demanded that the motion be fastracked and funds be allocated to meet the needs of people of determination.

The UAE Cabinet has recently approved a national strategy to promote the rights of people with disabilities and maximise their well-being in the country. The Minister of Community Development welcomed the motion and said people with disabilities represent an integral component of UAE’s society and have the right to enjoy a happy and dignified life like other community groups.

Minister Bu Humaid said the UAE attaches special importance to supporting people with disabilities and enabling them to play a constructive and effective role in the development and the achievement of UAE national agenda and vision for 2021.

The Strategic Plan for the Rights of Children with Disabilities 2017-2021 is derived from the UAE Vision 2021, notably the provisions of a long healthy life, an optimal education system and an integrated lifestyle.

The strategic plan aims to provide the best quality medical care and social services to children with disabilities and contribute to their integration into society. It will solidify efforts to support children with disabilities and improve related services and facilities in the country, the minister said