The Attorney General’s Office (AGO) has started a program to employ people with disabilities, and entry tests began in Kabul on Sunday.

Those who pass the test will be appointed to different posts in the AGO’s offices in different parts of the country, an official said.   

According to AGO officials, 127 people attended the exam in Kabul and ten of them will be employed.

The four decades of war in Afghanistan has left thousands of people maimed. Statistics by the International Committee of the Red Cross reveal that more than one million people are living with disabilities in Afghanistan.

“By this move, the Attorney General’s Office is committing to implement its pledge to increase participation of people with disabilities (in government institutions),” said Wahiduddin Arghon, deputy head of the AGO.

The minister for martyrs and disabled affairs, Laluddin Aryubi, meanwhile said that people with disabilities are faced with challenges in the country, including lack of employment opportunities.

“They (people with disabilities) are not provided job opportunities… This requires an assessment by the government,” Aryubi said.

Zakirullah, a person with a disability who lives in the eastern province of Paktia, said he has attempted many times to find job but has failed due to “discrimination” in government institutions.

“We ask the government to provide job opportunities for people with disabilities,” he said. 

“Officials should ensure transparency in the exam. They should also ensure the qualified people’s rights,” said Hazrat, a Balkh resident.

Recently, the Independent Administrative Reform and Civil Service Commission (IARCSC) vowed to prepare a plan to increase employment of people with disabilities in government institutions.