Promoting the Inclusion of Children and Young People with Disabilities in Education in the Arab Region: An Analysis of Existing Developments, Challenges and Opportunities

This report was prepared by the UNESCO Regional Office for Education in the Arab Countries within the framework of the Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Program to Promote the Arabic Language. The report provides an analysis of inclusive education in Arab countries with the aim of formulating future recommendations, although the report focuses specifically on persons with disability. It acknowledges that other categories of learners suffer from marginalization and are unable to benefit from educational opportunities. It addresses the obstacles and challenges that prevent inclusion, and addresses the progress made and the progress needed to make comprehensive quality education a reality in the Arab region. The report stresses the need for organized and systematic cooperation between teachers, schools and the educational community. It calls on governments to implement immediate measures to assign responsibilities related to learners with disabilities to the Ministry of Education, and urges them to allocate adequate funding to develop effective and implementable plans and mobilize national commitment to inclusive education for all.