People with disabilities raise nine major concerns in petition after repeated appeals go unanswered

The Verso Disabilities Association of Maldives has submitted a petition to Parliament, raising concerns that long‑standing issues affecting people with disabilities remain unaddressed despite repeated appeals to authorities.

The petition was sponsored by MP Mohamed Ibrahim (Kudu).

According to the association, nine major concerns were highlighted, including:

• Lack of beach‑accessible slipways in Male', Hulhumale' and Vilimale' for people who cannot walk independently  

• Wheelchair‑accessible toilets built by Male' City Council that remain unusable for many wheelchair users  

• Inaccessible wheelchair paving at the entrance of H. Bandosge  

• Pavements that are technically wheelchair‑accessible but unsafe in practice  

The association said a previous petition submitted to Parliament months ago has not received a response. They added that requests to meet with heads of relevant agencies and ministers have also gone unanswered.

Verso Disabilities Association said the new petition was filed because the concerns of people with disabilities, including those requiring special assistance and protection, continue to go unresolved. They noted that issues repeatedly brought to the attention of authorities have not been implemented, resulting in violations of constitutional rights.

The petition includes detailed accounts from more than 100 individuals registered with the association’s welfare programme, outlining barriers in mobility, access to services, and the lack of coordinated support from state institutions.

The association said the petition aims to ensure that Parliament and relevant agencies take responsibility for addressing these systemic issues and providing the necessary accommodations and protections.