RIYADH, 29 March 2004 — Islam guarantees equal rights for all members of society, says Princess Sarah bint Talal. “Everybody has the same rights and obligations. We’ll all be responsible before Allah for this,” she said.
The princess was speaking at a fund-raiser for the Down’s Syndrome Charity Association in Riyadh.
She said the degree of the progress of a society was largely measured by the services it provides to citizens, especially people with special needs.
“Islam has guaranteed such people their rights and commanded us to care for them and attend to their needs,” Princess Sarah said.
The princess emphasized the role of private organizations in supporting the handicapped.
While the state makes some provisions for disadvantaged groups, the onus is on individuals and private organizations. It would be wrong to expect government to do everything, she said.
In the case of people with Down’s Syndrome, the princess said individuals can make a difference in a number of ways, especially by raising awareness and spreading the word that people with the condition have rights and can play a valuable role in society.
“It’s essential that we help them and care for them so that they’re able to depend on themselves and become active members of society,” Princess Sarah said. “That is where the volunteers come in.”
Besides raising funds the event also aimed to raise the profile of DSCA and its services as well as gather emotional support for the association and Down’s Syndrome victims, according Suzanne Al-Ghanem, executive director of the DSCA.
Down’s Syndrome is a chromosomal abnormality that affects approximately one in 800 to 1,000 children. A developmental disorder, it also makes sufferers more liable to a range of physical problems, especially heart disease.
The event witnessed donations from Prince Talal and Prince Turki ibn Talal and others, and by the end of the evening donations totaled SR227,000.
The evening, at the Supermodel Cafe, was sponsored by Saks Fifth Avenue and Paris Gallery.
