Good afternoon and welcome to the 12th annual observance of the International Day of Disabled Persons, proclaimed by the General Assembly in 1992.
Based on the universality of human rights, the United Nations has been promoting the rights of persons with disabilities since its inception. With the theme “Nothing About Us Without Us”, this year’s International Day of Disabled Persons focuses on the goal of full and equal participation of persons with disabilities in social life and in development, as a human right.
The essence of the rights-based approach is embedded in the motto “Nothing About Us Without Us”, which has taken a special meaning in relation to the elaboration of a convention on the rights of persons with disabilities.
The right to make one’s own choices and to participate in all areas of life figures prominently in the draft of the future convention. The work towards the convention has allowed an unprecedented degree of engagement by persons with disabilities and their organizations in international negotiations, bringing in their first-hand experience and expertise on disability issues. This process has embodied the value we hold as most important: participation of persons with disabilities in shaping their own lives and building a better world for all.
The annual observance of the International Day of Disabled Persons, 3 December, aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. It also seeks to increase awareness of gains to be derived from the integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.
The observance of the Day offers an opportunity to create, with the active participation of persons with disabilities, increased awareness about the need for all levels of society to change attitudes towards persons with disabilities, and about the need to eliminate barriers to their full participation in all aspects of life.
As noted by the International Disability Alliance “the motto ‘Nothing About Us Without Us’ most accurately reflects the worldwide attitude that people with disabilities want to see adopted by all levels of society. People with disabilities need to be involved in the planning of strategies and policies that will affect their lives.’
In is in this context that I am pleased to introduce to you today’s program
and panelists. We hope that this program will help raise questions
about the challenges that lay ahead of us.
