CONVENTION on the RIGHTS
of PERSONS with DISABILITIES
Links to UN System sites on disabilities and related topics:
World Health Organization (WHO):
This WHO Health
Topics - Disabilities page provides links to descriptions of activities, reports,
news and events, as well as contacts and cooperating partners in the various WHO programmes
and offices working on this topic. Also shown are links to related web sites and topics.
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International Labor Organization (ILO):
The ILO Disability Programme promotes decent work for women and men with disabilities and facilitates means to overcome the obstacles preventing people with disabilities from full participation in the labour markets. Working from the Infocus Programme on Skills, Knowledge and Employability, the programme involves the improvement of knowledge on disability (related matters concerning training and employment), the advocacy, guidance and policy advice to governments, workers and employers’ organisations on training and organisations of/for people with disabilities, and technical advisory services and cooperation activities.
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The World Bank:
The World Bank’s mission is to fight poverty with passion and professionalism for lasting
results. In the area of disability, it is working to ensure full participation of people
with disabilities in its development work, as well as within its own organization. The purpose
of this site is to raise awareness of disability and development issues. A wide range of
topics will be introduced as well as links to publications and additional resources on this
matter.
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United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO):
It is estimated that there are 150 million children with disabilities worldwide and that fewer than 2 per cent are enrolled in school. This number may be growing
due to increasing poverty, armed conflict, child labour, violence, and HIV/AIDS. Children
living in chronic poverty often suffer from poor nutrition and health, and cannot get the care
they need. In developing countries, for example, 90 per cent of children with disabilities do
not attend school.
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Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR):
Over 600 million people, or approximately 10 per cent of the world’s population, have a
disability of one form or another. While their living conditions vary, they are united in one
common experience – being exposed to various forms of discrimination and social exclusion. A
dramatic shift in perspective has been taking place over the past two decades, and persons
with disabilities are increasingly viewed as holders of rights. This shift to the human rights
perspective, which is taking place in all economic and social systems, has been authoritatively
endorsed by the United Nations.
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