DOHA: A special session on access to justice for persons with disabilities was held during the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha, in line with a United Nations General Assembly resolution.

The session, organized by the Forum for Women, Law and Development (FWLD) and the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) alongside other international partners, focused on “Redefining Justice: Ending the Exclusion of Persons with Disabilities through Inclusive Systems.”

Keynote speaker Ms. Sanni Grahn-Laasonen, Finland’s Minister of Social Security, and Dr. Heba Hagrass, UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, highlighted global commitments to ensuring equal justice and participation for people with disabilities.

Panelists included Advocate Sabin Shrestha, Executive Director of FWLD, representing Nepal; Carolyn Sturr from Kenya; and Mohammad Al Hasnan from Pakistan. The session was moderated by ICJ’s Advocate Karuna Parajuli.

Speakers stressed that states must create enabling environments for persons with disabilities, ensuring full participation and access to justice, rather than restricting or excluding them.

Advocate Shrestha noted that while Nepal has progressive legal provisions and disability-friendly directives, implementation gaps remain significant. He called for stronger representation of persons with disabilities in state and institutional structures and reaffirmed FWLD’s commitment to advancing inclusion.

The three-day summit, held from November 4 to 6, brings together heads of state, government officials, and international representatives to discuss social development issues.