According to the Public Relations and International Affairs Office, Seyed Javad Hosseini, Head of the State Welfare Organization of Iran, wrote in a note: On Saturday, Azar 8 (November 29), the first day of the National Week for Commemorating Persons with Disabilities, together with a large number of differently-abled individuals from various groups and my colleagues at the State Welfare Organization, we visited the Mausoleum of Imam Khomeini (RA) and renewed our allegiance to his ideals.
A noteworthy aspect of this spiritual program was the remarkable and widespread participation of differently-abled individuals, especially those with severe and very severe disabilities, including wheelchair users and bedridden persons. Despite severe air pollution and official warnings against presence in the city and recommendations for remote work, they enthusiastically and responsibly made their way to the sacred shrine of the founder of the Islamic Revolution, once again emphasizing their strong commitment to the ideals of the Imam and the Revolution.
After laying a wreath, paying tribute with the cooperation of the Army Provost Marshal, and reciting prayers for the departed, I delivered a brief speech as follows:
The State Welfare Organization is a humanitarian, specialized, and supportive relief-oriented institution, honored to serve two distinguished communities: a specific community, comprising all target groups including persons with disabilities, and the general public, encompassing all members of society.
If today the slogan of social inclusion and social integration of persons with disabilities has been selected as the theme of the National Week for Commemorating Persons with Disabilities, it must be said that Imam Khomeini (RA) was the greatest advocate of social integration.
God Almighty states in the Holy Qur’an:
“We have certainly sent Our messengers with clear proofs and sent down with them the Book and the Balance so that people may uphold justice.”
This verse contains several important points.
First: The establishment of justice. With pride, it must be stated that the activities of the State Welfare Organization, as a product of the Islamic Revolution, have never been anything other than efforts to establish justice.
Second: Socialization. In this regard as well, the State Welfare Organization has taken steps toward socialization through inclusiveness and social integration.
Third: Participation. Without public participation, social justice will certainly not be realized.
Recognizing the immense power and unparalleled impact of public participation in advancing social affairs, the State Welfare Organization has now designed and is implementing a “Comprehensive Ecosystem of Public Participation,” consisting of twelve strategic approaches, in order to address financial constraints and budgetary imbalances and to provide higher-quality services, thereby playing an effective role in the process of achieving social justice.
In the verse cited, “clear proofs,” “the Book,” and “the Balance” are introduced as the tools provided to the Prophet for establishing justice. The Prophet was able to realize justice only by relying on these three instruments.
For this reason, in Islamic thought and in the perspective of Imam Khomeini (RA), the use of cultural models and methods of socialization and integration is fundamental, while political power represents the final stage.
From this perspective, the Welfare Organization must also be a cultural and social institution rooted within society, through which inclusiveness can be realized.
Imam Khomeini’s (RA) method in advancing the Revolution was likewise based on inclusiveness and socialization. He raised awareness, promoted inclusiveness, and when socialization was achieved, his message naturally penetrated the hearts and minds of the people; it was at this stage that the people rose up.
One of the key pathways to achieving and establishing social justice is the realization of the rights of persons with disabilities.
To achieve this important goal, we need what I call the “Seven Ts”:
-
Human-centered Development: We must recognize that the primary foundation of societal progress is the human being. Development is no longer wealth-based or resource-based. Global experience shows that development is more human-centered than technology-centered. When development is achieved, its benefits become accessible to all individuals, including persons with disabilities.
-
Acceptance of Differences: We must accept that human beings are different from one another, each possessing unique characteristics.
-
Adaptability: Once differences are acknowledged, society must be made accessible and adapted to accommodate these differences. The physical and spatial structure of society must align with the diverse needs of all individuals, including persons with disabilities.
-
Social Integration: When society becomes inclusive, integration naturally follows. Just as persons with disabilities live alongside other family members within the family unit, this mechanism must also be extended to society as a whole.
-
Empowerment: Empowerment focuses on skills development and employment for persons with disabilities. In community-based empowerment, marriage, employment, education, skills training, production, and distribution are placed within a unified cycle.
-
Opportunity-Creating Development: At this stage, by creating equal opportunities tailored to individuals’ conditions, the groundwork is laid for their effective participation and contribution.
After human-centered development, acceptance of differences, adaptability, social integration, empowerment, and opportunity-creating development are institutionalized in society, we arrive at the seventh “T”:
-
Balancing: With the implementation of the six aforementioned principles, balance is achieved. Ultimately, through the successful realization of balance, social justice for persons with disabilities is fulfilled.
With this perspective and deep conviction, today, together with a group of capable individuals supported by the State Welfare Organization, we begin the National Week and the International Day of Persons with Disabilities from the vicinity of the Mausoleum of Imam Khomeini (RA). Inspired by his justice-seeking vision, we renew our covenant with the ideals of that wise leader and pledge that we will spare no effort in achieving a just, human-friendly society—one that fully includes persons with disabilities.
Your Comment