People with disabilities in Gaza are facing extreme hardships amid the ongoing conflict due to their difficulty in fleeing or evacuating from potentially life-threatening situations, according to the United Nations’ Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
The continuing conflict has taken a huge toll on Gaza, with over 42,000 deaths being reported and close to 100,000 being wounded since the Israel-Hamas war erupted last October.
Of these, the number of victims left with physical disabilities in the Gaza Strip has increased to more than 10,000, half of whom are children who have lost one or more limbs, according to the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics.
Among those to have sustained a life-changing injury is deaf visual artist Mahmoud Al-Muqayed, who lost an eye in an Israeli attack and has also sadly lost much of his painting collection after his home was destroyed in the bombing.
"I wish I could hold a large exhibition and display all my drawings, so everyone can see through them how much I love life and peace. I drew five pigeons, to depict my five children. I hope my message reaches everyone that we are against war and want to live a normal life like all people," he said via a sign language interpreter.
Life is also proving challenging for Muqayed’s able-bodied wife, Rasha Abu Dayeh. As her husband, along with his three deaf brothers, cannot hear explosions, she feels under extra pressure to protect them and guide them to escape when their neighborhood is targeted.
"My husband cannot hear, so in the event of any strikes or shelling, I cannot gather my husband and children to escape quickly. I even faced a situation where I had to take my husband out during the shelling but I forgot my son because of the intensity of the explosions and my confusion," she recalled.
For those who have sustained serious injuries, the widespread destruction of infrastructure across Gaza has made it even more difficult for people with disabilities to be safely relocated, including local man Zohdi Sarhan, who has his leg amputated.
"I have a physical disability. I've suffered greatly in moving from one place to another during the multiple displacements. This has greatly impacted my life. In addition, rehabilitation and prosthetics are not available at all," said Sarhan.
Disabled residents in Gaza face extreme hardships amid ongoing conflict
Disabled residents in Gaza face extreme hardships amid ongoing conflict
Disabled residents in Gaza face extreme hardships amid ongoing conflict
Macao has been emerging as a global hub for conventions and exhibitions in recent years by exploring the enormous opportunities in the sector, driving the region to advance its economic diversification and embrace a brighter future.
Macao has received many awards this year, such as the Best Convention City (Asia) and the Best BT-MICE City, showcasing the recognition for and influence of Macao's exhibition industry.
More than 1,000 electronic game enthusiasts from all over the world gathered recently in Macao to participate in a esports themed event.
Su Zhili, organizer of the event, said that Macao's rich experience in hosting large-scale events, coupled with its good infrastructure, has driven him to choose the region as an ideal destination to hold such an activity.
"Macao has held many similar large-scale events. It has rich experience, and the facilities at the venue are relatively mature, so we can start our work comfortably," said Su.
During the first three quarters of 2024, Macao held more than 1,000 conferences and exhibitions in total.
"We will invite more professional, special conferences to be held in Macao and also cultivate more exhibition brands with international influence in Macao, so as to promote Macao's exhibitions to be more market-oriented, professional, international, digital and greener from various aspects. This is our goal," said Elaine Wong, member of the Macao Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute.
In addition, multiple large exhibitions and conferences, such as the Macao International Trade and Investment fair, the Macao Franchise Expo, and the International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum, are held regularly in Macao.
With the introduction of a series of policies and measures to facilitate the exchanges between the mainland and Macao, as well as the construction and development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, Macao's convention and exhibition industry will embrace more opportunities for development in the foreseeable future.
"We have such a good industrial base in the Greater Bay Area. The mode of 'Convention and Exhibition + Industry' not only integrates the industries of Macao, but also the industries of the Greater Bay Area. In addition, Macao actively integrates into the national development and plays a role in the Belt and Road. Why are we so confident in Macao's convention and exhibition sector? Because it is backed by the motherland, and the country gives Macao great support," said Alan Ho, chairman of the Macao Association of Convention, Exhibition and Tourism Sectors.
Macao emerges as global hub for conventions and exhibitions, driving economic diversification and international recognition
