CNDH highlights media accessibility issues for disabled individuals in Morocco

Wednesday 09 April 2025 - 10:20

By: Dakir Madiha

CNDH highlights media accessibility issues for disabled individuals in Morocco

The National Human Rights Council (CNDH) of Morocco has expressed profound concerns regarding the exclusion of people with disabilities from media access. CNDH President Amina Bouayach emphasized the significance of the National Forum on Disability, a collaborative effort with the Mohammed VI National Center for the Disabled, aimed at addressing the myriad challenges faced by this community.

Taking place from April 8 to 11, the forum coincides with the observance of National Disability Day, celebrated annually on March 30. This year’s theme, “Media and Disability,” underlines the CNDH's belief in the media's potential to promote equality, dismantle stereotypes, and enhance the participation of persons with disabilities across various spheres of life.

Bouayach articulated that addressing issues related to disability rights, particularly in the media context, is essential for evaluating how well these rights are integrated into public policy and societal interaction. She posited that the media can significantly improve the living conditions of disabled individuals while fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion.

The CNDH's observations reveal critical shortcomings in how national media addresses disability issues. Bouayach noted the lack of subtitles in many television programs, which excludes deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals from essential information. Additionally, she pointed out the scarcity of sign language interpretation, limiting access for the deaf community, and the absence of audio descriptions for blind or visually impaired individuals.

Furthermore, she highlighted the inadequate compliance of national media websites and applications, which create barriers for individuals with physical or visual impairments. Bouayach remarked on the chronic deficiency in the coverage of disability-related issues within the broader human rights discourse, indicating that such topics receive minimal attention in news programs, films, and broadcasts.

The representation of disabled individuals in media is often reductive, portraying them as either heroes or victims instead of reflecting their diverse experiences. Bouayach lamented the underrepresentation of journalists with disabilities in media institutions, alongside the lack of accessibility adjustments in press conferences and public debates.

Concluding her address, Bouayach called for enhanced support for individuals with disabilities, particularly those aspiring to initiate their own media projects. She announced the forthcoming launch of a National Disability Excellence Initiative, which will be overseen by the CNDH and officially introduced by the end of the year.