Iraq approves 50% university tuition discount for relatives of people with disabilities

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs has approved a 50% reduction in university tuition fees for relatives of people with disabilities, according to a statement from the ministry's Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The discount applies to students who are the father, mother, brother or sister of a person registered with the commission whose disability rate is not below 75%. The measure was adopted with the approval of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and issued as a circular to all public and private universities. The commission said the decision is aimed at strengthening the educational rights of people with disabilities and their families and easing their financial burdens. It was issued under the 2013 Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs (Law No. 38). No further details on the implementation timeline or covered institutions were immediately provided.