President Muizzu Pledges Comprehensive Reforms to Support Persons with Disabilities

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has reaffirmed his administration's commitment to address systemic obstacles and expand public opportunities for persons living with disabilities across the Maldives. Speaking through public interaction forums and cabinet engagements, the President outlined targeted measures aimed at enhancing accessibility, housing allocations, emergency communication, and international rights protections.

A major focus of these policy pledges addresses physical accessibility in state infrastructure and housing. Under upcoming social housing distribution criteria, ground-floor and lower-floor apartments will be prioritized for families caring for members with physical disabilities to ensure step-free access. Furthermore, public educational institutions, government offices, and religious spaces are set to undergo modifications to remove structural barriers for wheelchair users.

The administration has also moved to integrate technical accessibility standards into disaster response systems. Measures are being implemented to develop tailored emergency alert networks for visual and hearing-impaired residents, ensuring critical notifications reach all communities effectively during crises.

To reinforce legal safeguards, the Cabinet approved the Maldives' formal accession to the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. This legislative move, submitted to Parliament, establishes an international framework for accountability while elevating domestic standards for disability advocacy and inclusive governance.