World Disability Day today

World Disability Day today

Updated at: 0644 PST, Thursday, December 03, 2009 IISLAMABAD: International Day of Persons with Disabilities is being observed today (Thursday). The objective is to promote rights of disabled people by including them in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life. The Day is meant to achieve full and equal human rights and participation in society to them. This Day was set up by the World Programme of Action concerning Disabled Persons and adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1982. Globally, almost one in every 10 people lives with a disability. Recent studies indicate that persons with disabilities constitute up to 20 per cent of the population. They live in poverty in developing countries. Many persons with disabilities continue to face barriers to their participation in their communities and are often forced to live on the margins of society. They often face stigma and discrimination and are routinely denied basic rights such as food, education, employment, access to health and reproductive health services. Many persons with disabilities are also forced into institutions, a direct breach of the rights to freedom of movement and to live in their communities. The United Nations has a long history of promoting the rights and well-being of all people, including persons with disabilities. The Organization has worked to ensure their full and effective participation in the civil, political, economic, social and cultural spheres on an equal basis with others in order to achieve a society for all. The Organization’s commitment to the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights by persons with disabilities is deeply rooted in a quest for social justice and equity in all aspects of societal development. Proclaimed by the General Assembly in October 1992, this day aims to raise awareness on disabled people’s rights at national and international levels. On the 3rd December 1982, the UN General Assembly decided on the World Programme of Action for Disabled People. The United Nations committed itself and its members to promote the full participation of disabled people in social life and development as well as prevention and rehabilitation measures. According to an estimate of World Health Organisation, there are 600 million disabled people worldwide, about 10% of the world population. It is also estimated that about 80% of all disabled people worldwide live in developing countries. More and more, disability is seen as a social issue which is not only based on medical reasons. Ensuring that persons with disabilities are integrated into all development activities is essential in order to achieve internationally agreed development goals, such as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The MDGs can only be achieved if persons with disabilities and their family members are included. This in turn will ensure that people with disabilities and their family members benefit from international development initiatives. Efforts to achieve the MDGs and implement the Convention are interdependent and mutually reinforcing.