Rasha Rajab, a young Syrian with a disability living in Turkey is a member of an advocacy group and is currently studying business in Gaziantep. A brief Q&A, which has been lightly edited for clarity, is available below.
My experience with the volunteer team is very rich in the knowledge of the international agreements and conventions that were almost absent from us as Syrian citizens. We learn how to work on them and the basic steps in political participation in the new Syrian government, by communicating with the Syrian interim government and the coalition.
The greatest challenge is the lack of awareness and confidence in the community and abilities of people [with disabilities] where some believe that they are dependent on society and no more and that even the owners of motor disabilities are mentally ill for normal life.
The opportunities that have ensured our political participation are the International Convention on Persons with Disabilities signed by Syria and the presence of examples of the participation of people with special political needs in foreign countries around the world, giving greater motivation and motivation to defend and exercise our rights.
My advice is to be well informed of the laws and conventions that determine what their rights are and to trust their abilities and belief that they are an effective part of society.