Iraqi Envoy: Visa requirement for Iranian pilgrims still in place

Chairman of Board Directors of Raad Rehabilitation Goodwill Complex Ahmad Mirzakhani said Raad has been able to create sustainable jobs for the disabled persons in Iran. It does so by improving its training quality, AVA Diplomatic reports.

Addressing a ceremony marking the International Day of Persons with Disability at Raad Auditorium on Tuesday 1 December 2015, he said: “Through our 20 centres in Iran, Raad has succeeded to train and educate more that 10,000 disabled persons during 30 years of its services.”

“Expanding higher and university educations for persons with disabilities is another duty of Raad which enhances their knowledge and thus working abilities,” he added.

Engineer Mirzakhani noted that Raad is now able to show that it has supported disabled university graduates to major in computer, accounting, and law and who – as a result – have secured full time jobs.

The UN Resident Coordinator in Iran, Mr. Gary Lewis read aloud the United Nations Secretary-General’s message for the international day. In it, he said: “We mark this year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities in the wake of the adoption of the ambitious 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This global blueprint for action summons us to ‘leave no one behind’.”

“Building a sustainable, inclusive world for all requires the full engagement of people of all abilities,” he added. “The 2030 Agenda includes many issues of concern to persons with disabilities and we must work together to transform these commitments into action”.

Seated in a wheelchair in solidarity with disabled citizens, Mr. Lewis presented an award to the gold medal winner of Asian Archery Championships Mr. Majid Kakoush.

The UN Resident Coordinator, Mr. Gary Lewis presenting an award to the gold medal winner of Asian Archery Championships Mr. Majid Kakoush

Also, during the ceremony two Iranian photographers Mr. Davood Ameri, himself a disabled person and Mr. Amir Brenjkar were praised for their pictures that were selected for display at the UN Headquarters on the occasion the International Day of Persons with Disability. It is worth mentioning that out of a large number of entries only 10 photographs, including the two pictures from the said Iranian photographers, were selected by the jury for display at the UN Headquarters in New York.