According to UN-supported estimates from 2024, Iraq is home to between 4 and 4.5 million persons with disabilities, accounting for roughly 10–12% of the population, with children representing about 18% of the total.
These disabilities arise from congenital conditions, chronic diseases, decades of conflict, road accidents, and unexploded remnants of war.
At the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, hundreds of Iraqis with disabilities gathered, filling the halls with vibrant displays of skill and determination. Handwoven shawls, intricately carved wooden boxes, and finely crafted ceramics reflected not only artistic talent but also the resilience of a community confronting one of Iraq’s most neglected social issues.
Organized to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the event celebrated personal achievements while also underscoring the significant gaps that continue to shape everyday life for nearly four million Iraqis living with disabilities.
Sources: Shafaq News , Shafaqna English
www.shafaqna.com
