The state must ensure adequate health care for individuals with special needs, the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) has said.

In a statement marking the United Nations’ International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the HRCM said that most of their cases in relation to the rights of individuals with special needs have to do with their access to adequate health care.

Such individuals residing in the outer lying atolls – which are significantly less developed compared to capital city Malé – struggle with finding doctors experienced in treating them and acquiring medicine.

The HRCM had also received cases where families of these individuals are not subject to privacy and security, and they are often made victims of social stigma.

The statement called on all state institutions to work towards tackling the limitations and obstacles that individuals with special needs face, and expand their roles in ensuring that they live fulfilled lives.

The HRCM had also stressed on the importance of fully integrating such individuals into society and ensure that they enjoy all the rights and privileges as those around them.

The theme for 2017’s day for those with ‘disabilities’ is “transformation towards sustainable and resilient society for all”